Terminal Block Labyrinth Holder for Fastening Debris Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In conventional terminal blocks, foreign matters such as wear debris generated during bolt fastening can diffuse inside the storage case, causing issues.

Innovation Solution

A connection structure featuring a labyrinth structure in the holder, which accommodates foreign matters and prevents their diffusion by creating multiple spaces and partitioning portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If bolts are used to fasten bus bars to connector terminals, then secure electrical connection is achieved, but foreign matters such as wear debris are generated and can diffuse inside the storage case

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidforeign matter diffusion

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into multiple spaces (first space, second space, third space) separated by partition walls, creating a segmented structure that contains foreign matters in specific zones and prevents their diffusion throughout the storage case

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder acts as an intermediary component between the connection portion and the storage case, capturing and containing foreign matters generated during fastening operations before they can diffuse into the storage case interior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a simple holder structure is used, then manufacturing is easier, but foreign matters cannot be effectively contained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholder manufacturingVSAvoidforeign matter containment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The holder incorporates multiple partition walls that divide the interior into separate spaces, creating an effective foreign matter containment structure while maintaining a relatively simple overall design that can be manufactured as a single integrated component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-generated harmful factors

If multiple spaces with partition walls are created in the holder, then foreign matter diffusion is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter containmentVSAvoidholder structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed with partition walls that create multiple functional spaces (first space for bolt head accommodation, second space for nut accommodation, third space as additional containment area), achieving effective foreign matter containment through systematic segmentation of the holder interior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250141129A1Connection structure and terminal block

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

A connection structure is a structure for connecting a conductive busbar 10 to a connection target. The connection structure 100 includes a connection portion 18 that is provided on the busbar 10 and serves as a connection location for the connection target, and a holder 30 that is configured to accommodate foreign matters that arise in the connection portion 18. The connection portion 18 includes a screw fastening portion A between a bolt 16 that extends in a plate thickness direction of the busbar 10 and a nut 17 into which the bolt 16 is screwed. In the housing 30, a plurality of spaces, i.e., a first recessed portion 36 and a second recessed portion 37, containing the foreign matters and partition portions, i.e., a first partition portion P1 and a second partition portion P2, partitioning the plurality of spaces constitute a labyrinth structure 38.