Side-Connected Wiring Modules for DIN Rail IO Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wiring structures for input-output units (IO units) attached to DIN rails result in wires covering the front face, hindering heat release and visibility, and complicating maintenance due to interference with the IO unit's display and replacement processes.
Innovation Solution
A wiring structure where wiring modules are installed on a rail with lead wires extending orthogonally from the sides, allowing IO units to be electrically connected from the side, eliminating the need for front-facing connections and enabling easier maintenance and improved visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wires extend from the front of the IO unit to the cable duct, then electrical connection is achieved, but the wires cover the front face of the IO unit, hindering heat release and hiding the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wiring direction from the front (first direction) to the side (second direction orthogonal to the first direction). Wires now extend from the side face of the IO unit in the second direction, perpendicular to the rail extension direction, eliminating coverage of the front display while maintaining electrical connection functionality
2Ease of manufacture
If wires extend from the front of the IO unit, then electrical connection is achieved, but the wires interfere with maintenance such as replacement of the IO unit
Solution Approach 1:
By routing wires from the side face in the second direction rather than from the front in the first direction, the wiring path no longer interferes with front access during maintenance operations, allowing IO units to be easily removed and replaced without wire interference
3Ease of manufacture
If wires extend from the front of the IO unit, then electrical connection is achieved, but the front visibility of the IO unit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring arrangement shifts from front-facing wire extension to side-facing wire extension, moving wires out of the front view zone. This dimensional change in wiring orientation eliminates visual obstruction of the display while preserving electrical connection capability
Data Source
AI summary
A wiring structure includes: multiple wiring modules configured to be installed on a rail that extends in a predetermined first direction, so as to be adjacent to one another along the rail by being placed on the rail from the side of a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; an IO unit configured to be attached to the plurality of wiring modules from the second direction side to thereby be electrically connected to the multiple wiring modules. In each of the multiple wiring modules, a lead wire extending in a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction, from a first face of the wiring module that lies on the third direction side, is connected to the wiring module.