Relay Terminal Block Groove Structure for Secure Clip Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The diversification of relay sockets has limited the attaching position of the holding member, making it difficult to attach one end of the holding member to the side surface of the relay socket.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block with a housing featuring a connection surface for electromagnetic relays, including a holding member with an elongated plate shape, an arm portion, and a claw portion that can be elastically deformed, and an attachment groove with first and second groove portions to securely attach and detach the holding member from the connection surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the holding member is attached to the side surface of the relay socket, then the relay can be securely held, but the attaching position is limited due to diversification of relay sockets
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment groove is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate holding members at multiple positions on the housing. The groove extends along the housing and can be positioned at different locations depending on the relay socket type, allowing the same terminal block structure to work with diverse relay sockets while maintaining secure retention
2Reliability
If the holding member is made rigid for secure attachment, then retention is improved, but the ability to attach to limited positions worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member incorporates an elastic portion that can change its physical state between deformed and restored conditions. During attachment, the elastic portion is deformed to fit into the attachment groove, and when restored, it provides secure retention. This parameter change allows the holding member to be both easy to install and securely retentive
3Ease of operation
If the holding member is elastically deformable for easy attachment, then ease of operation improves, but attachment security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic elastic structure that can deform and restore. The elastic portion is designed to deform during the attachment process to fit into the groove, then restore to its original shape to lock the relay in place, providing both ease of operation and secure attachment
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
The terminal block allows for reliable attachment and detachment of the holding member from the connection surface, ensuring secure retention and easy release of the electromagnetic relay, enhancing versatility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a claw portion at a second end on a side opposite to the first end of the main body portion in the extending direction, the claw portion extending in a direction away from the main body portion from the second end toward the first end and being elastically deformable in a direction approaching the main body portion
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal block includes a housing including a connection surface to which an electromagnetic relay is connectable. The housing includes at least one attachment groove that opens to the connection surface and extends toward inside of the housing. The at least one attachment groove includes a first groove portion and a second groove portion are disposed adjacent to and communicating with each other. The first groove portion includes a first narrow width portion disposed near the connection surface, a wide width portion disposed farther from the connection surface than the first narrow width portion, and a step portion at a boundary of the first narrow width portion and the wide width portion, the step portion being capable of restricting a movement of the holding member in a removal direction. The second groove portion is configured to be capable of accommodating the claw portion without elastically deforming.