Plug-In Potential Distribution Blocks for Flexible Conductor Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing potential distribution arrangements require a large variety of different blocks for varying numbers and connection cross-sections, leading to inefficiencies in stock management.

Innovation Solution

A potential distribution arrangement with feed-in and distribution elements featuring plug-in connections, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and adaptable to different conductor cross-sections and numbers, eliminating the need for separate jumpers and facilitating direct electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different block-shaped elements are used for different numbers of connections and connection cross-sections, then the potential distribution arrangement can be adapted to various applications, but the variance of elements increases and stock management becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different applicationsVSAvoidvariance of elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution element is designed with multiple openings that can accommodate conductors of different cross-sections, allowing a single universal element to replace multiple specialized blocks. The element can handle both smaller distribution conductors and larger feed-in conductors through its multiple openings, eliminating the need for separate block types for different connection scenarios.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution element is divided into multiple independent openings, each capable of receiving a conductor. This segmentation allows flexible configuration where each opening can be used independently or in combination with others, enabling the same element to adapt to different numbers of connections required by various applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conductor bridges or fixed bridges are used to interconnect feed-in and distribution elements, then electrical connection is established, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plug-in element and corresponding plug-in opening are integrated directly into the feed-in element and distribution element respectively, eliminating the need for separate conductor bridges. The electrical connection is established through the direct mating of these built-in plug-in features, merging the connection function into the main elements themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The plug-in element acts as an intermediary component that facilitates electrical connection between the feed-in element and distribution element. Instead of using complex fixed bridges, the plug-in element provides a simple, reversible connection mechanism that achieves reliable electrical contact while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of different blocks are stocked for different applications, then all connection requirements can be met, but stock management efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of connection requirementsVSAvoidstock management efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A single distribution element design with multiple openings can satisfy various connection requirements that previously demanded different specialized blocks. By making the element universal, the system reduces the variety of components that need to be stocked while maintaining the ability to meet diverse connection needs through flexible configuration of the same element type.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3961818B1Potential distribution arrangement
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3961818B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3961818B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4D
  • EP3961818B1 patent drawingFigure 4E~5B

AI summary

A potential distribution arrangement for electrical conductors, comprising: at least one feed-in element adapted for electrical connection with a first electrical conductor; and at least one distribution element adapted for electrical connection with at least one second electrical conductor, wherein the feed-in element has a first plug-in element and the distribution element has a corresponding second plug-in element that can be plugged together with the first plug-in element for electrical connection of the feed-in element and the distribution element for electrical connection of the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor.