Telecom Terminal Strip With Offset Contacts And Force-Redirecting Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal strips for contacting printed circuit boards face the risk of damage due to the application of mechanical force, which can lead to deformation or breakage of the plastic housing or improper insertion of contacts.
Innovation Solution
A connection strip design featuring a housing with offset contact elements, where the first contact is aligned to the top and the second contact is aligned to the underside, utilizing a rib to form a defined pressure surface that transmits force directly to the second contact, minimizing the risk of damage and ensuring proper alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical force is applied to the terminal strip for contacting the printed circuit board, then the connection is established, but the risk of damage to the terminal block increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tab as an intermediary element that mediates the force transmission between the housing and the second contact. The tab is specifically designed to receive and distribute the mechanical force, preventing direct stress concentration on the first contacts and the plastic housing, thereby establishing reliable connection while minimizing damage risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a defined pressure surface through the tab with specific geometric properties (width, length, orientation) that are optimized for force distribution. This localized structural feature concentrates the beneficial force transmission while isolating vulnerable areas from harmful stress
2Reliability
If force is exerted on the first contacts, then the connection is made, but deformation or breaking of the plastic housing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The tab serves as a force transmission intermediary that redirects the mechanical force away from the first contacts and plastic housing. By positioning the tab between the housing and the second contact, the design ensures that force is applied to the robust tab structure rather than the vulnerable plastic components
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element is segmented into distinct functional zones: the first contact for wire connection, the tab for force transmission, and the second contact for PCB connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the tab bearing the mechanical load while the first contact maintains electrical connection
3Manufacturing precision
If force is applied to the terminal strip, then the second contact is inserted, but the first contacts may drill into the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The tab acts as a protective intermediary that intercepts and distributes the insertion force before it can reach the first contacts. This prevents the first contacts from being pushed into the housing, while still enabling accurate insertion of the second contact through controlled force transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The tab is pre-positioned and pre-loaded during assembly, creating a defined pressure surface that guides the force application. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that during insertion, the force follows the intended path through the tab to the second contact, preventing deviation that could damage the first contacts
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting strip (1) for telecommunications and mid-range communications technology, comprising a housing (2) and at least two contact elements (11), wherein the contact element (11) comprises a first contact (12) for the connection of wires or cables and a second contact (13) for contacting a printed circuit board, the second contact (13) taking the form of a press-fit pin contact or a tuning-fork contact, and in which the first contact (12) is aligned towards the upper side (3) of the housing (2), and the second contact (13) is aligned towards the underside (4) of the housing (2), the first contacts (12) being arranged laterally offset from the longitudinal axis (L) of the housing (2), and on the opposite side at least one fin (8) being arranged so that between the first contacts (12) and the fin (8) a trench (9) is formed, the contact element (11) being constructed with a bracket (15) positioned above the second contact (13), aligned towards the upper side (3) of the housing (2), and arranged underneath the trench (9).