Terminal Block Cam Actuator Front Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical terminal blocks face issues with loose screws becoming lost, manual alignment challenges, and difficulty in connecting conductors in tight spaces due to perpendicular conductor alignment and reliance on friction for securement.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block design featuring a housing with a receiving aperture, an actuator member, a cam member, and a resilient member with a bias arm and projection to securely engage and retain electrical conductors, allowing for easy insertion and secure connection without the need for manual screw alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional terminal blocks use loose screws for connection, then the electrical conductor can be secured to the block, but the screws may become lost and require manual alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the screw from the system entirely, replacing it with a cam-actuated clamp mechanism that secures the conductor through a cam surface and resilient member, eliminating the risk of loose screws becoming lost
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is designed to be self-aligning, where the cam surface automatically guides the clamp into the correct position as the actuator is pushed, eliminating the need for manual alignment of fastening components
2Reliability
If conventional terminal blocks require manual screw alignment, then secure connection is achieved, but the connection process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is pre-positioned on the actuator in a retracted state, and the cam mechanism is pre-configured with its cam surface, so that when the actuator is pushed, the connection action occurs automatically without requiring manual alignment steps
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static clamp position to a dynamic cam-actuated motion, where the cam surface converts linear actuator movement into rotational clamp motion, enabling rapid and secure connection
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical conductors extend perpendicular to the face of the terminal block, then the conductor can be connected, but it is difficult to hold the conductor while using a screwdriver in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the conductor extend perpendicular to the block face as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the approach by having the conductor enter through the face and be secured by an internally actuated clamp, allowing access from the front rather than requiring perpendicular access
4Device complexity
If conventional terminal blocks use friction-based retention, then the structure is simple, but the electrical conductor may disengage when in tension
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism uses a curved cam surface that, when actuated, applies concentrated radial force to secure the conductor. The curved geometry of the cam provides mechanical advantage and ensures positive retention under tension loads
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 solution provides a secure and efficient method for connecting electrical conductors, preventing loose screws and ensuring reliable retention in tight spaces by using a cam and resilient mechanism, enhancing usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a cam member mounted within the housing and configured to be pivoted about a pivot in response to translation of the actuator member
Implementation Method 2
a resilient member mounted within the housing and having a bias arm positioned to be moved toward and away from the connection portion of the conductor positioned within the receiving aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal block allows wires to be connected to the block by insertion at a front portion of the block and along a direction parallel to the length of the block. The block includes a securing feature to retain the electrical conductor securely in the block while also allowing simplified connection and disconnection of the wire.