Electrical Terminal Block With Adjustable Contact Sections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical terminal blocks require the use of plugs of different lengths for various switching processes, making it difficult to design a test connector block that is both cost-effective and time-efficient.
Innovation Solution
The terminal block design features first metal strips with a stepped area and second metal strips that can be attached to any step, allowing for adjustable contact section positions, enabling the same test plug to be used across different configurations without the need for varying plug lengths, and incorporating C-shaped contact springs for enhanced usability and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If plugs of different lengths are used for different switching processes, then various switching functions can be achieved, but the design complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized test plug that can perform multiple switching functions. The plug has uniform contact elements that interact with differently positioned contact sections on the current bar, eliminating the need for multiple plug variants with different lengths while achieving diverse switching capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the contact sections on the current bar adjustable in position. The contact sections can be moved along the current bar to different locations, allowing the same test plug to achieve different switching sequences and functions by simply repositioning the contact sections rather than changing the plug itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple terminal blocks are connected to form a terminal block assembly, then flexibility and adaptability increase, but the risk of incorrect connections and manufacturing errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to the contact sections and corresponding areas on the test plug. Different colors indicate different functions and positions, providing visual guidance that helps operators correctly connect terminal blocks and insert test plugs, thereby reducing the risk of incorrect connections while maintaining configuration flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If contact sections are positioned at different locations on the current bar, then different switching sequences are achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing contact sections that can be adjusted and repositioned along the current bar after manufacturing. This allows different switching sequences to be achieved through simple positional adjustments rather than requiring complex custom manufacturing for each configuration, significantly easing the manufacturing process.
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 design simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces the number of required current bars, and ensures consistent operation with identical test plugs across different terminal blocks, minimizing the risk of incorrect connections and allowing for flexible configuration.
Implementation Method 1
The two current bars each have a connection section, a first resilient contact section and a second resilient contact section
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical terminal block with simplified switching operations, which can be produced in a cost-effective and time-saving manner.