Socket Connector Compact Design for Terminal Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plug-in connectors for terminal blocks are bulky, preventing additional rows of connection blocks from being inserted into cabinets or electrical boxes due to their minimum size requirement of at least 40 mm, which limits space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design integrates a second housing for the conductive wire within the base of the connection socket, eliminating unnecessary insulating body portions between the connection terminal and socket, allowing for a compact structure with a U-shaped profile and a leaf spring type connection terminal, reducing the overall size to less than 35 mm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connection terminal and connection socket are arranged independently in the insulating body, then each component can perform its specific function reliably, but the overall size of the plug-in connector increases to at least 40 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connection terminal and connection socket into a single integrated component where the terminal is formed as an integral part of the socket structure. The terminal extends from the socket base through the insulating body, eliminating the need for separate housing structures for each component while maintaining their distinct electrical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket base serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the elastic connection branches, houses the terminal structure, and creates the necessary electrical pathways. This multi-functional design eliminates redundant components and reduces overall connector dimensions.
2Ease of operation
If a specific housing is provided in the insulating body to receive the end of the conductive electric wire, then the wire can be properly clamped and connected, but the connector dimensions increase particularly in height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wire receiving housing function into the socket base structure itself. The base is designed to naturally receive and position the wire end while the terminal provides clamping, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated housing space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions wire clamping and connection functions into a more compact three-dimensional arrangement where the terminal extends through the insulating body at an angle, utilizing space more efficiently and reducing the height dimension while maintaining operational ease.
3Reliability
If the connection terminal exerts clamping pressure on the wire at a distance from its free end, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but additional housing space is required increasing the connector size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clamping function with the electrical contact function in a single integrated terminal structure. The terminal both clamps the wire and provides the electrical contact point, eliminating the need for separate clamping and contact housing spaces.
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 compact design allows for increased density of connection blocks in cabinets or electrical boxes, optimizing space usage and manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
two elastic connection branches intended to ensure electrical contact with a complementary socket of the junction block
Implementation Method 2
The connection terminal is of the leaf spring type. This arrangement makes it easier to insert the electrically conductive wire into the connection terminal.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a detachable connector (1) for a terminal block comprising: - an insulating body (2), - a connection terminal (10) having a housing (8) for a conductive electrical wire (C) intended to be inserted through a first opening (3) of the insulating body (2) according to an insertion direction (D) of the conductive electrical wire (C) in the insulating body (2), - a connection socket (20) comprising a base (21) from which extend two elastic connection arms (22a, 22b) intended to ensure electrical contact with a complementary socket of the terminal block intended to pass through a second opening (4) of the insulating body (2), the detachable connector (1) being characterized in that it comprises a passage (6) for the conductive electrical wire (C) connecting the first housing (8) of the connection terminal (10) and a second housing (9) formed in the base (21) of the connection socket (20).