Terminal Block Light Guide Bar Visual Connection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional terminal blocks require a time-consuming and laborious detection process to confirm connections between cables and terminals during wiring operations.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block with a light guide bar that uses LEDs and light guide bars to visually indicate successful cable connections, simplifying the confirmation process by illuminating when a cable is properly connected to a conductive terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional terminal block structure is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the detection process requires additional detectors and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light guide function directly into the bottom plate by integrating light guide bars that extend from the bottom plate through holes in the insulative casing. This merging eliminates the need for separate detector components while providing visual feedback for connection status, thereby improving productivity without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light guide bars as an intermediary element between the electrical connection and the visual indication system. When a cable is properly connected, electrical current flows through the conductive terminal and contact sheet to illuminate the light guide bar, providing intuitive visual confirmation without requiring complex detection circuits or additional detectors
2Ease of operation
If separate fixed channels are used for light guide bars, then the light guide function is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex and assembly more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom plate and light guide bars are integrated into a single unified structure where the light guide bars extend directly from the bottom plate. This merging eliminates the need for separate fixed channels to accommodate the light guide bars, simplifying both the overall structure and the assembly process while maintaining the light guide function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the light guide function from a separate component and integrates it directly into the bottom plate structure. By taking out the need for separate fixed channels and incorporating the light guide bars as integral extensions of the bottom plate, the design achieves the same functional result with reduced structural complexity and easier assembly
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
Simplifies the wiring operation by providing a quick and accurate visual confirmation of cable connections, reducing assembly complexity, size, and manufacturing costs while enhancing detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a light module, comprising a circuit board, light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the circuit board and conductive units
Implementation Method 2
the bottom plate being integratedly extended with light guide bars separately passing through and exposed in the through holes
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal block includes an insulative casing, a bottom plate, conductive terminals and a light module. The insulative casing has first chambers, second chambers and through holes separately communicating with the first chambers. The bottom plate coves the first chambers. A side of the bottom plate and the second chambers are formed with a circuit board slot. The bottom plate is extended with light guide bars separately passing through and exposed in the through holes. The conductive terminals are separately received in the first chambers. Each conductive terminal is extended with a contact sheet disposed in the second chamber. The light module includes a circuit board, LEDs mounted on the circuit board and conductive units. When the circuit board is detachably inserted into the circuit board slot, the LEDs correspond to the light guide bars in position, and each conductive unit electrically connects to one of the contact sheets.