Terminal Block Holder Alignment via Busbar Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional terminal blocks experience play in the holder, which affects the waterproofness of the O-ring when assembled, leading to inadequate sealing between components.
Innovation Solution
The terminal block design incorporates busbar-side and holder-side engagement portions that align with the axial direction of the busbar, ensuring the holder comes into square contact with the O-ring, preventing play and maintaining waterproofness by forming a stable engagement state through shared axis alignment of the busbar insertion hole, O-ring housing, and holder housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the holder is merely inserted into the busbar without engagement portions, then the assembly process is simple, but the holder experiences play and cannot contact the O-ring squarely, compromising waterproofness
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into functional segments: the holder main body, the pressing portion for O-ring contact, and the engagement portions for securing to the busbar. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall assembly simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portions are pre-formed on both the holder and busbar, allowing them to automatically engage in the correct position during assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures square contact with the O-ring without requiring complex alignment procedures
2Ease of operation
If the holder is designed with play to accommodate assembly variations, then assembly ease is improved, but the holder cannot maintain stable contact with the O-ring, affecting sealing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement portions act as intermediaries between the holder and busbar, providing a precise mechanical interface that eliminates play. These engagement features mediate the connection to ensure the holder maintains stable, square contact with the O-ring while still allowing for straightforward assembly
3Productivity
If the holder is made loose-fitting for easy installation, then installation speed increases, but the holder deviates from proper alignment, compromising O-ring sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement portions are segmented into complementary features on the holder and busbar that guide alignment during insertion. This segmentation allows the holder to be installed quickly while automatically achieving proper alignment through the interlocking engagement features
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portions are pre-configured to provide self-aligning features that guide the holder into the correct position during assembly. This preliminary alignment preparation enables fast installation without compromising holder stability or O-ring sealing
Data Source
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AI summary
A busbar component 22 constructing a terminal block 21 has a busbar 26, a circular O-ring 27 attached to a busbar main body 29 of the busbar 26, and a holder 28 attached to the busbar main body 29 through an insertion hole 42 of the holder 28. The busbar main body 29 is formed with a busbar-side engagement portion 34. A holder main body 40 is arranged between a busbar-side engagement portion 34 and the O-ring 27. The holder main body 40 is formed with a ring-shaped pressing portion 43 on one opening side of the insertion hole 42. The holder main body 40 is formed with, on another opening side of the insertion hole 42, a holder-side engagement portion 44 which is engaged with the busbar-side engagement portion 34.