Rail-Mounted Electrical Equipment Grounding via Elastic Clip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical equipment fails to provide reliable and cost-effective grounding of printed circuit boards against electromagnetic disturbances, with risks of user forgetfulness and connection breakage due to vibrations, especially in contactors.
Innovation Solution
The electrical equipment features a semi-rigid conductive clip made of bronze wire that establishes a permanent, elastic mechanical and electrical connection between the printed circuit board's ground terminal and a rail, ensuring grounding without operator intervention and minimizing the risk of connection failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable connection from external earth terminal is used, then grounding can be achieved, but the connection may be damaged during use and requires operator intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding system automatically establishes electrical contact between the printed circuit board and the rail through elastic mechanical support during mounting, without requiring any operator intervention. The elastic blocking member and connection element work autonomously to maintain grounding throughout the equipment's operational life.
2Reliability
If soldering a conductive tab on printed circuit board is used, then grounding connection can be established, but the weld may break due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic blocking member incorporates a curved or flexible geometry that allows it to deform elastically under vibration, maintaining continuous electrical contact between the connection element and the rail, thereby preventing connection failure due to mechanical stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a rigid welded connection to an elastic mechanical connection, changing the physical state and mechanical properties of the grounding path to accommodate vibrations while maintaining electrical continuity.
3Temperature
If a complete metal mounting plate is used, then heat dissipation function is improved, but metal consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential grounding function from the complete metal mounting plate, using a localized elastic blocking member and connection element instead of a full metal plate, thereby reducing material consumption while maintaining grounding effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic blocking member serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for mounting the equipment on the rail, establishes electrical contact for grounding, and accommodates thermal expansion and vibration, replacing the need for a complete metal plate.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating cam with strip is used for grounding, then selective grounding can be achieved, but user forgetfulness may occur and equipment operation may become dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding connection is established automatically during the mounting process itself, before the equipment begins operation. The elastic blocking member and connection element are positioned and engaged as part of the installation procedure, ensuring grounding is in place before any electrical operations commence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically maintains grounding through the elastic mechanical support and direct electrical contact with the rail throughout operation, eliminating the need for manual intervention or monitoring by the operator.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides reliable and economical grounding of electronic components, ensuring consistent protection against electromagnetic disturbances and maintaining electrical contact stability over time, even under vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic blocking member (44) of the housing (22) on the rail (4)
Implementation Method 2
at least one ground terminal (48) of the printed circuit board (40) is electrically connected to the rail (4)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
This electrical equipment (2) comprises a housing (22) for mounting on a rail (4), and a control module (34) including a printed circuit board (40). In the rail-mounted configuration of the electrical equipment (2), at least one ground terminal (48) of the printed circuit board (40) is permanently electrically connected to the rail (4) by elastic mechanical support and direct electrical contact with a connecting element (50), itself in elastic mechanical support and direct electrical contact with the rail or with an elastic locking device (44) for the housing on the rail. The connecting element is a semi-rigid conductive clip (50) made of a shaped metal wire to electrically connect the ground terminal (48) and the rail (4).