Plug-In Bridge Electrical Terminal System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for connecting electrical conductors with different potentials lack flexibility and require significant space and multiple components, making them inefficient for various applications.

Innovation Solution

A system with cross-arranged plug-in bridges and a plug-in adapter that allows for flexible electrical connections using identical endless bridges and adapters, which can be customized and separated for different applications, reducing component variety and space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional electrical connection systems use multiple different components for various wiring applications, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring flexibilityVSAvoidcomponent variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single type of plug-in bridge with standardized plug-in contacts that can be used for multiple wiring configurations. The same bridge design serves different connection purposes by varying the insertion positions and orientations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized bridge components for different wiring applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous plug-in bridge into separate modular sections with individual plug-in contacts. This allows the bridge to be customized for different applications by selecting and combining specific segments, providing wiring flexibility without requiring entirely different bridge designs for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional electrical connection systems accommodate various wiring configurations, then adaptability is improved, but space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring flexibilityVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensional change by utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement of plug-in contacts and bridges. The crossed arrangement of bridges in different orientations (longitudinal and transverse) allows multiple connection paths to be achieved within a compact volume, reducing the footprint while maintaining wiring flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies nesting by arranging plug-in bridges in a compact crossed configuration where bridges are positioned in overlapping or interlocking patterns. This nested arrangement allows multiple connection paths to be packed into a smaller space, reducing the overall area requirement while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of plug-in bridges are used for different wiring applications, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing and storage complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring flexibilityVSAvoidproduction simplification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality in manufacturing by standardizing the plug-in bridge design with uniform plug-in contacts, headers, and insulation structures. This single standardized design can be mass-produced using identical manufacturing processes, then customized for different applications through selective assembly and configuration rather than requiring multiple production lines for different bridge types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2491622B1System for connecting electrical conductors to mutually different potentials and plug adaptor for the system
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2491622B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2491622B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2491622B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system for connecting electrical conductors to mutually different potentials, consisting of at least two electrical terminals (10) arranged alongside one another with plug receptacles (12) and at least two plug bridges (14) which have in each case at least two plug contacts (14.2) which are connected to one another via a top web (14.1) and can be plugged into the plug receptacles (12). In order to specify a system for connecting electrical conductors to mutually different potentials in which a high degree of flexibility of the electrical connections is made possible in conjunction with a reduced space requirement, it is proposed that the plug bridges (14) and the electrical terminals (10) are embodied in a manner coordinated with one another in such a way that one plug bridge (14) can be plugged into plug receptacles (12) of the same electrical terminal (10) and the other plug bridge (14) can be plugged crosswise with respect thereto into plug receptacles (12) of two electrical terminals (10) arranged indirectly or directly alongside one another.