Removable Comb Terminal Block for Flexible Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-level terminal blocks with comb-like structures are not easily removable, limiting flexibility and efficiency in assembly and disassembly, as they are typically integrated into the frame housing and cannot be removed individually.

Innovation Solution

The comb-like structure is composed of separate webs with latching formations that can be assembled and disassembled from the frame housing, allowing for optional inclusion or exclusion based on user needs, and can be combined to form a web assembly with guide slots and used to bridge gaps in cable ducts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the comb-like structure is integrated into the frame housing, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The comb-like structure is divided into separate, removable webs that can be individually detached from the frame housing. Each web is a discrete component that can be separated without affecting the overall structural integrity of the terminal block, enabling easy disassembly while maintaining stability during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The comb-like structure transitions from a fixed, static integration to a dynamic, removable configuration. The webs can be inserted and removed as needed, allowing the structure to adapt between a stable integrated state and a flexible disassembled state based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the comb-like structure is made removable, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Latching formations are pre-configured on the webs and corresponding receptacles on the frame housing to ensure automatic engagement during assembly. This preliminary design of interlocking features guarantees reliable connection without requiring additional assembly steps or tools, maintaining reliability while improving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate webs are used instead of an integrated comb-like structure, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separate webs are designed as universal components that can be applied to various terminal block configurations. The same web design can accommodate different numbers and arrangements of connection units, providing adaptability without requiring multiple specialized parts, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.

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

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 enables quick and secure assembly of terminal blocks with or without the comb-like structure, enhancing user flexibility and reducing assembly time, while also preventing jumper lines from escaping through guide slot narrowing and providing a cover for cable ducts.

Implementation Method 1

a latching spring (41) for cooperation with the pin-shaped projection (31)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The webs of the comb-like structure are elastically flexible and of elongated finger-like shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic flexibility: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3271970B1Clip-on terminal with pluggable wire guidance
Publication Date: 2019.07.24 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3271970B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3271970B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3271970B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a modular terminal block, in particular a multi-level terminal block (1), for clamping a plurality of jumper wires which can be led thereto in an orderly fashion using a comb-type structure (2). The comb-type structure (2) can be put together from separate bars (21) that have clip-on portions (3) and cooperate with mating clip-on portions (4) on the terminal block such that the bars (21) can be removed from the terminal block when no comb-type structure (2) is needed.