Terminal Block with Multi-Angle Label Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of electric switchboards requires terminal blocks that allow identification of wiring elements from different angles, with easily engageable and disengageable labels for safety, visibility, and ease of production and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block design featuring multiple label-holder seats with trapezoidal bodies and inclined faces for stable label retention, allowing labels to be easily applied and removed, and a recess with trapezium-like cross-section for improved label visibility and non-interference with jumpers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple label seats are added to enable identification from different angles, then the visibility and identification capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block is divided into multiple flanks (front, rear, and lateral flanks), with each flank containing label seats positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows labels to be placed on multiple surfaces, enabling identification from various angles without creating a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Label seats are positioned on multiple flanks of the terminal block, utilizing three-dimensional space rather than confining all labels to a single plane. This spatial distribution across different flanks and heights enables comprehensive visibility from multiple directions.
2Ease of operation
If label seats are designed for easy engagement and disengagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability may deteriorate due to accidental removal
Solution Approach 1:
Each label seat comprises an undercut with asymmetric geometry that corresponds to the shape of the label. This asymmetric design allows the label to be easily inserted in the correct orientation while preventing accidental removal, as the label cannot be extracted without deliberate action in the correct direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The undercut acts as an intermediary mechanical feature between the label and the label seat. This intermediate structure provides both easy engagement (through simple insertion into the undercut) and secure retention (through the geometric interlocking), resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the terminal block design is simplified for easy production, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the functionality for multi-angle labeling may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The label seat structure is designed as a universal component that can be replicated across multiple flanks of the terminal block. Each label seat has the same basic undercut geometry, allowing for standardized manufacturing processes while achieving multi-angle labeling capability through repetition rather than complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple label seats are integrated into a single terminal block body, with all label seats formed as part of the same molded or machined structure. This merging of multiple labeling functions into one unified component simplifies production compared to using separate attachment mechanisms for each label position.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
Electric switchboard terminal block having a body (310) extending in a lengthwise longitudinal direction (X-X), widthwise transverse direction (Y-Y) and heightwise vertical direction (Z-Z), and comprising a front face (310a) and lateral flanks (310b) situated opposite each other in the longitudinal direction (X-X), each flank having a first seat (320) for housing a label (30), and comprising a recess (330) with a substantially trapezium-like vertical cross-section arranged in a central position in the longitudinal direction (X-X) and having a greater base open on the front face (310a) of the terminal block and smaller base open towards the inside thereof, said recess (330) having at least one further seat (331;333) for housing at least one additional label (30).