Removable Terminal Block Divider Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In high power electrical systems, such as those found in aircraft, terminal block dividers are often damaged due to the high torque forces required for detachment and securing, which obstructs maintenance and increases the risk of arcing between conductive members.

Innovation Solution

A terminal block assembly with removable and replaceable dividers that utilize a sliding dovetail joint mechanism and fastening members, allowing for tool-free removal and replacement, reducing the risk of damage during maintenance and preventing further damage to the electrical system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If dividers are made fixed and integrated into the terminal block, then structural stability is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases and divider damage risk increases due to high torque forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The divider is segmented from the terminal block structure, transforming from a fixed integrated component to a removable separate component. The groove structure allows the divider to be detached and reattached during maintenance without damaging the terminal block itself, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and maintenance ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The divider transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic removable state. The groove mechanism enables the divider to be easily inserted and removed, allowing the system to adapt between operational stability and maintenance accessibility as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If high torque forces are applied to secure electrical wiring, then connection strength is improved, but divider damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoiddivider damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the divider from the terminal block structure through the groove design, the divider is protected from the high torque forces applied during wiring installation. The segmentation allows the terminal block to withstand connection forces without transmitting them to the divider, reducing damage risk while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of repair

If dividers are made removable for maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance easeVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The groove mechanism creates a dynamic system where the divider can be easily removed for maintenance and securely reattached to restore structural stability. The removable design provides maintenance accessibility without permanently compromising the terminal block's structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2892110B1Field-replaceable terminal block divider

Publication Date: 2017.12.20 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B

AI summary

A terminal block assembly (100) has one or more removable dividers (135). The dividers (135) include a tenon (140) that can be inserted into a groove (140) in one or more blocks (110). The dividers (135) can be retained by a fastening member (145), such as a clip, placed at an open end (130) of the groove (120).