Terminal Base Layout for Modular Surge Protection Wiring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surge protection devices are not cost-effective while maintaining functionality, particularly in photovoltaic systems, and require additional wiring fields or terminals.

Innovation Solution

A surge protection device with a one- or multi-part terminal base providing multiple connection points for pole and earthing connections, serving as a wiring aid, and allowing for modular installation and pluggable protection modules, which can be easily adapted to existing conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional wiring fields or terminals are used to provide multiple connection points, then the functionality and versatility of the surge protection device is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection versatilityVSAvoidwiring structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate wiring fields and terminals into a single integrated terminal base that provides multiple connection points for pole and earthing connections. This merging approach eliminates the need for additional separate wiring fields while maintaining the capability to connect multiple conductors, thereby reducing device complexity and cost without sacrificing connection versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal base is designed as a multi-functional component that serves both as the mounting structure for the protective switch and as the wiring terminal providing multiple connection points. This universal design allows the same component to fulfill multiple functions (structural support + electrical connection), eliminating the need for separate dedicated terminals and reducing overall device complexity.

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

2Reliability

If multiple separate terminals are used for pole and earthing connections, then the reliability of conductor connections is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple connection points for pole and earthing connections into a single terminal base component, reducing the total number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This merging maintains reliable electrical connections while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing production costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal base is designed with distinct, separately accessible connection points for different conductors (pole connections and earthing connection), allowing each connection point to be reliably terminated independently while being part of a single integrated component. This segmentation within integration maintains connection reliability while simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a single integrated terminal base is used instead of multiple separate terminals, then the ease of installation and cost-effectiveness is improved, but the flexibility for complex wiring configurations may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidwiring configuration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal base is designed as a universal mounting and connection structure that accommodates both simple and complex wiring configurations. It provides multiple connection points for pole connections and earthing connections, allowing the same integrated component to serve various installation scenarios from basic to complex wiring needs.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal base incorporates distinct, separately accessible connection points for different conductors, allowing installers to connect conductors independently at each point. This segmented design within the integrated base maintains wiring configuration flexibility while simplifying installation compared to multiple separate terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The device reduces costs by eliminating the need for additional wiring fields, provides space-optimized connections, and ensures effective protection against overvoltages and lightning currents, making it suitable for complex electrical installations.

Implementation Method 1

These protective devices, particularly as surge discharge devices, dissipate any overcurrent exceeding the protection level to an earthing terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

Functional earthing is intended to safely dissipate fault currents and prevent electrical interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

Lightning protection earthing is intended to safely conduct the lightning current into the earth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4235730B1Overvoltage protection device with a connection base
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 ENWITEC ELECTRONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4235730B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4235730B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4235730B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a surge protection device with a terminal base for at least one circuit breaker to be arranged thereon, wherein the terminal base has a first pole connection for a first conductor carrying a first current potential, a second pole connection for a second conductor carrying a second current potential and an earthing connection for a third conductor carrying an earthing potential, and wherein the first pole connection and the second pole connection on the terminal base itself are each designed with several connection points and the earthing connection is designed with at least one connection point.