Compact Terminal Block With Bottom-Actuated Pressing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Terminal block structures occupy considerable operating space due to the positioning of the pressing element assembly, which limits their compactness and installation efficiency in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block structure design featuring an insulative base with a chamber and wire insertion hole, a conductive terminal, a pivoting pressing element with a handle, and a clamping elastic piece, where the handle is movable beside the wire insertion hole, allowing for compact arrangement and reduced operational space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pressing element assembly is formed at a side position of the insulative base, then the wire insertion function is achieved, but the operating space is occupied considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing element is repositioned from a side position to the bottom surface of the insulative base, utilizing the vertical dimension instead of horizontal space. This dimensional shift allows the pressing element to operate beneath the wire insertion hole, freeing up the side operating space while maintaining the wire insertion function through vertical pressing motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing element is designed to nest within the insulative base structure, with the pressing portion extending through the bottom surface. The pivoting portion is received within a receiving cavity of the insulative base, allowing the pressing mechanism to be integrated into the base structure rather than occupying external space.
2Reliability
If the pressing element assembly is positioned to enable wire insertion, then electrical connection is achieved, but the overall structure becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing element integrates with the insulative base through a receiving cavity, with the pivoting portion nested within the base structure. The arm extends through an opening in the bottom surface, and the pressing portion protrudes to contact wires from below, creating a compact integrated structure that maintains reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire insertion and pressing mechanism operates from the bottom dimension rather than the side dimension. The wire insertion hole is positioned on the top surface while the pressing element operates from the bottom surface, utilizing vertical space efficiency to maintain compactness while ensuring reliable wire contact and electrical connection.
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 design effectively saves operating space, enabling more terminal blocks to be installed in the same volume, reducing installation costs and improving usage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The pressing element includes a pivoting portion, an arm, and a handle. The pivoting portion is pivotally connected to the insulative base.
Implementation Method 2
The clamping elastic piece is disposed in the chamber. An end of the clamping elastic piece is operatively moved to inside or outside of the wire insertion hole through the pressing portion.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a terminal block structure (1) includes an insulative base (10), a conductive terminal (20), a pressing element (30) and a clamping elastic piece (40). The insulative base (10) has a chamber (14), a wire insertion hole (15) and an open trough (16) disposed on the same side of the insulative base (10) as the wire insertion hole (15). The conductive terminal (20) is fixed in the chamber (14) and arranged correspondingly to the wire insertion hole (15). The pressing element (30) includes a pivoting portion (31), an arm (32), a handle (33) and a pressing portion. The pivoting portion (31) is pivotally connected to the insulative base (10). The arm (32) protrudes from the insulative base (10) through the open trough (16). The handle (33) is movable beside the wire insertion hole (15). The clamping elastic piece (40) is disposed in the chamber (14). An end of the clamping elastic piece (40) is operatively moved to inside or outside of the wire insertion hole (15) through the pressing portion.