Terminal Block Light Guide Assembly for Faster I/O Unit Build
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly time for light guide members in I/O units increases with the number of light guide members provided, complicating the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block design featuring a plurality of light guide members coupled by coupling members, allowing for a single operation to assemble all light guide members, and an I/O unit with a communication processing circuit to control light emission and signal input/output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple light guide members are provided in the I/O unit, then the lighting coverage is improved, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light guide members into a single integrated assembly using coupling members. The coupling members connect adjacent light guide members laterally, allowing them to be assembled as one unit rather than individually, thus reducing assembly time while maintaining comprehensive lighting coverage across multiple insertion-receiving portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members are designed to pre-connect the light guide members before they are installed into the terminal block. This preliminary assembly allows the light guide members to be attached to the housing in a single operation, eliminating the need for sequential individual assembly and reducing overall assembly time.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple light guide members are assembled individually, then the assembly process is simple, but the total assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light guide members into a unified assembly structure through coupling members. This maintains the simplicity of the assembly process (still using basic mechanical coupling) while dramatically improving productivity by reducing the number of separate assembly operations required.
3Loss of time
If coupling members are used to connect light guide members, then the assembly time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light guide member assembly into modular units connected by coupling members. Each light guide member remains a distinct functional unit, but they are grouped together through simple coupling mechanisms. This segmentation allows for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members are designed with universal functionality to connect adjacent light guide members in a standardized manner. This multi-functional coupling mechanism serves both structural support and optical alignment purposes, reducing the need for additional specialized components and keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
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
The assembly time for light guide members is reduced, facilitating quicker and easier assembly of the I/O unit, while maintaining efficient light transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide member that guides light emitted by the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal block includes a plurality of insertion sections each provided with a connection terminal that is electrically connected to an external terminal; a plurality of lighting sections provided corresponding to the plurality of insertion sections; a plurality of light guide members that are provided corresponding to the plurality of lighting sections and that direct light emitted by a plurality of light emitting elements to the plurality of lighting sections to cause the plurality of lighting sections to light; and at least one connecting member connecting the plurality of light guide members.