Terminal Block Bracket Flexibility for Tolerance Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Terminal blocks with integrated terminals and housings face manufacturing and assembly tolerances that lead to gaps between the terminal block and the case, necessitating a solution to absorb these tolerances and stabilize the terminal block.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block design featuring metal terminals with distinct connecting and fixing portions, where the fixing portion has a lower bending stiffness than the connecting portions, and is embedded in a resin housing, with brackets fixed to the case to absorb tolerances and reduce vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the housing is fixed to the case to suppress vibration, then stability is improved, but gaps are formed due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the fixing portion by reducing its bending stiffness compared to the connecting portions. This allows the fixing portion to deform and absorb tolerance variations, enabling the terminal block to be fixed to the case while accommodating manufacturing tolerances without forming problematic gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different mechanical properties to different parts of the terminal block. The connecting portions maintain high bending stiffness for stable electrical connections, while the fixing portion has reduced bending stiffness to absorb tolerance variations during attachment to the case.
2Strength
If the fixing portion has high bending stiffness to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but tolerance absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different mechanical properties to different parts of the terminal block. The connecting portions maintain high bending stiffness for stable electrical connections, while the fixing portion has reduced bending stiffness to absorb tolerance variations during attachment to the case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the fixing portion by reducing its bending stiffness compared to the connecting portions. This allows the fixing portion to deform and absorb tolerance variations, enabling the terminal block to be fixed to the case while accommodating manufacturing tolerances without forming problematic gaps.
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
Effectively absorbs tolerances between the terminal block and the case, stabilizes the terminal block, and suppresses vibration, while allowing for flexible deformation during attachment to ensure secure connection.
Implementation Method 1
bending stiffness of the fixing portion being smaller than that of each of a plurality of the first connecting portions
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal block according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided with a plurality of terminals, a bracket and a housing made of resin. Each of the terminals includes a first connecting portion projecting from the housing and a second connecting portion projecting toward a side opposite to the first connecting portion from the housing. The bracket includes a fixing portion projecting from the housing and to be fixed to a case. Each of the first connecting portions includes a connection hole, into which a bolt is inserted. The fixing portion includes a fixing hole, into which a bolt is inserted. An axial direction of each connection hole and that of the fixing hole coincide. The bending stiffness of the fixing portion is smaller than that of each of the first connecting portions.