Terminal Block Locking Mechanism for Easy Connector Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal blocks for electronic devices are complex to manufacture due to the need for various specific components and are difficult to handle, especially when removing connector modules, which often requires special tools and increases handling complexity.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block with a locking device featuring an actuating part and locking elements that securely hold connector modules in place during insertion and can be easily released by actuating the part, allowing for simple removal without the need for specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connector modules are inserted into the base strip and held in a compact arrangement, then the terminal block provides secure connections for multiple sensors and actuators, but it becomes awkward to remove the connector modules due to inadequate user access
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple locking elements distributed along the actuating part, allowing individual or group locking of connector modules. This segmentation enables selective access and manipulation of specific connector modules without interfering with others, resolving the contradiction between secure holding and ease of removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating part serves as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the user and the connector modules. By providing a accessible actuating part with locking elements that engage with mating elements on connector modules, it enables easy locking and unlocking operations without requiring direct access to the connector modules themselves, thus maintaining both security and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various specific components and covers are manufactured to create different terminal blocks for different electronic components, then the terminal blocks can be customized to meet specific requirements, but the manufacture becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block design implements universality by creating a standardized base strip with uniform connector sockets and a generic actuating part with locking elements that can work with different connector modules. This universal architecture allows the same base structure to serve multiple electronic components with different requirements, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability. The locking mechanism with multiple locking elements can accommodate various connector module types without requiring custom locking devices for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal block design incorporates dynamic configurability through the ability to selectively engage or disengage individual locking elements on the actuating part. This dynamic characteristic allows the same physical structure to adapt to different connector module configurations and requirements, providing customization without manufacturing different hardware components for each scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal block for an electronic device, which block can be attached to an electronics housing of the electronic device, includes at least one base strip comprising a plurality of connector sockets; and a plurality of connector modules that can be attached to the connector sockets of the at least one base strip in at least one insertion direction, are held on the connector sockets in an inserted position, and can be released from the connector sockets to be removed from the at least one base strip; and a locking device. The locking device includes: an actuating part that can be moved relative to the at least one base strip in an actuation direction; and a plurality of locking elements that are engaged in a locking manner in mating elements of the connector modules in a locked position.