Surge Protector Terminal Block With Integrated Circuit Boards

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing overvoltage protection arrangements for information and telecommunications technology require complex and labor-intensive wire connections, especially for bus/communication lines, due to the need for multiple screw terminals and separate cable connections, which complicates handling and installation.

Innovation Solution

An overvoltage protection arrangement with a housing designed for DIN rail mounting, featuring spaced printed circuit boards that provide a large surface area for electrical connections, including lockable socket strips and coaxial plugs, and a plug-in element for mechanical and electrical connection between devices, reducing the need for separate wire connections and simplifying installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple screw terminals are used for wire connections, then electrical connection capability is improved, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple screw terminals and connection functions into a single integrated terminal block structure. This terminal block provides multiple electrical connection points while maintaining a unified, compact design that reduces overall device complexity and simplifies handling during installation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal block is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides electrical connections for signal wires, power wires, and bus/communication lines simultaneously. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate connection mechanisms for different wire types, thereby improving electrical connection capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate cable connections are used for bus/communication lines, then data exchange capability is improved, but installation effort and handling complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata exchange capabilityVSAvoidinstallation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the connection for bus/communication lines directly into the terminal block structure, merging it with the connections for signal and power wires. This integration allows data exchange capability to be achieved without requiring separate cable connection procedures, thereby reducing installation effort and handling complexity while maintaining full data exchange functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple screw terminals are used, then electrical connection capability is improved, but ease of operation during replacement and testing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection capabilityVSAvoidease of replacement and testing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal block is designed as a segmented, modular structure where individual connection points can be accessed and operated independently. This segmentation allows for easy replacement of connected devices and facilitates testing of specific connections without requiring manipulation of multiple loose terminals, thereby improving ease of repair while maintaining electrical connection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3241261B1Overvoltage protection arrangement for information and telecommunication technology
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 DEHN SE CO KG
  • EP3241261B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3241261B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3241261B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an overvoltage protection arrangement for information and telecommunication technology, consisting of a housing with means formed on the housing base for mounting top-hat rails, overvoltage protection elements which can be found in the housing, electric connection means, and at least one circuit board as a wiring support for the overvoltage protection elements. When viewed laterally, the housing is designed approximately in the shape of a T standing on its head and has a beam-shaped main part with a protruding head part, wherein the electric connection means can be accessed and actuated via the upper face of the beam-shaped main part. A first and second circuit board are located on a respective inner face of the lateral walls of the housing in a mutually spaced manner, and the electric connection means in the form of electric connection terminals, connection sockets, and/or plugs for example are arranged in the spacing between the first and second circuit board such that first connection means can be accessed on the horizontal plane of the beam-shaped main part and second connection means can be accessed on the vertical plane of the beam-shaped main part. The flat shape of the circuit board corresponds to the T shape of the housing or approximates the shape of the housing.