Terminal Block Marking Recesses for Automated Laser Inscription

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for marking terminal blocks require forming the assembly first, which is not always feasible and can be expensive, and lack a defined space for applying marking elements, making automated inscription difficult.

Innovation Solution

The method involves forming marking recesses in the terminal block housing during injection molding, allowing for the injection of plastic to create well-fitting marking elements that can be easily inscribed with a laser, either before or after conductor connections are mounted, and using undercuts for a positive fit to secure the marking elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If marking elements are applied after terminal block assembly is formed, then marking can be done on assembled units, but the process becomes more expensive and less flexible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking process flexibilityVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The marking elements are integrated into the housing during the injection molding process before the terminal block assembly is formed. The injection molding tool includes defined free spaces that receive marking elements, allowing markings to be prepared in advance and incorporated into the housing structure prior to assembly, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If marking elements are applied to assembled terminal blocks, then post-assembly marking is possible, but automated laser inscription becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated inscription capabilityVSAvoidmarking element positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Marking elements are prepared and positioned in defined free spaces within the injection molding tool before the terminal block assembly is formed. This preliminary positioning ensures precise location and orientation of marking elements, enabling subsequent automated laser inscription with high precision without requiring complex post-assembly handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual or mechanical marking methods with automated laser inscription. The laser system can precisely inscribe markings on the marking elements that are already positioned in the housing, eliminating the need for mechanical marking operations on assembled terminal blocks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If curable plastic molding composition is applied to terminal block assembly, then marking surface extends across multiple terminal blocks, but the process is expensive and not always feasible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying marking composition across the entire terminal block assembly, the patent segments the marking process by integrating individual marking elements into each housing during injection molding. This segmentation allows for more efficient and cost-effective production by eliminating the need for expensive post-assembly marking operations while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables efficient, automated, and cost-effective marking of terminal blocks with clear, readable inscriptions, allowing for flexible production options and no change to existing terminal block designs, while maintaining electrical approval.

Implementation Method 1

The housing is inserted into an injection molding tool where one or more free spaces are formed in the region of one or more marking recesses. The free spaces are sprayed with a plastic in the region of the marking recesses, whereby one or more inscribable marking elements are formed on the housing.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInjection molding:

Implementation Method 2

The marking element can easily be provided with an inscription using modern lasers. In particular, an automated formation of the marking elements is possible

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 3

one or more of the marking recesses include one or more undercuts which are suitable for the positive-fitting connection of at least one marking element. In this manner, the marking elements are retained in a simple manner on the housing by a positive fitting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11929584B2Method and device for marking terminal blocks

Publication Date: 2024.03.12 WEIDMULLER INTERFACE GMBH & CO

AI summary

One or more marking elements that can be provided with an inscription are formed on a terminal block which can be mounted on a mounting base or support rail has a housing made of plastic and at least one conductor connections formed in the housing, One or more marking recesses are formed in the housing with each marking recess being designed for the application of a corresponding marking element. The terminal block with the housing is formed by an injection molding toot One or more free spaces are formed in the region of the one or more marking recesses. One or more free spaces are sprayed with a plastic in the region of the marking recesses, whereby one or more inscribable marking elements are formed on the housing.