Terminal Block Holder Structure for Ring Terminal Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing terminal blocks struggle to simultaneously accommodate both strip wires and ring terminals, and the use of bolts for fixing ring terminals leads to potential loss and improper installation, risking unreliable connections and fire hazards.

Innovation Solution

A terminal block design featuring a holder member with a block housing and fastening member that securely fixes both plate terminals and a ring terminal, preventing loss of fastening components and ensuring stable electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a terminal block is designed to accommodate both strip wires and ring terminals, then the versatility of the terminal block is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate both strip wires and ring terminalsVSAvoidstructural complexity of terminal block

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal block is designed with a single integrated structure that can accommodate both strip wires and ring terminals. The block housing includes multiple fixing slots that can receive different types of terminals, and the holder member with fastening mechanism can secure various terminal types, making the terminal block versatile without requiring separate designs for different terminal types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If bolts are used to fix ring terminals to terminal blocks, then the fastening strength is improved, but the risk of fastening member loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening strength of ring terminalVSAvoidloss of fastening member

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening member is nested within the holder member structure. The holder housing receives and retains the fastening member, which passes through the holder housing. This nested configuration ensures that the fastening member cannot be lost during installation or operation, as it is physically contained within the holder member assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder member combines the fastening function and the retention function into a single integrated component. By merging the fastening member with the holder housing structure, the design eliminates the risk of fastening member loss while maintaining strong fastening capability for ring terminals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a holder member is introduced to prevent fastening member loss, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder member merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides fastening for ring terminals, retains the fastening member to prevent loss, and maintains structural support. This consolidation improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity, as one integrated component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250246824A1Terminal Block with Holder

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 TYCO ELECTRONICS AMP KOREA

AI summary

A terminal block with a holder member includes a block housing having two fixing slots into which two plate terminals are installable. The holder member has a fastening member adapted to fix the two plate terminals and a ring terminal. A holder housing of the holder member maintains a state in which the fastening member passes through the holder housing and is couplable to the block housing.