Terminal Block Locking Mechanism for Simultaneous Actuation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal block systems require complex assembly and do not provide direct visibility of actuating elements, making it difficult to prevent unwanted actuation of multiple elements simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block arrangement with a locking device that allows for the simultaneous blocking of actuation units across multiple connection terminals, featuring a housing with clamping and actuation units that can be moved between open and contact positions, and a locking mechanism that restricts movement or access to actuation units, utilizing a comb-like locking device with protruding locking units and sealing aids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a housing is provided around each actuating element to prevent unauthorized operation, then protection against unwanted actuation is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual locking functions into a single centralized locking device that can lock multiple actuating elements simultaneously. Instead of providing separate housings and locking mechanisms for each actuating element, one locking device with multiple locking units is integrated into the terminal block housing, reducing installation complexity while maintaining protection against unwanted actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed as a universal mechanism that can lock multiple different types of actuating elements (levers, screws, etc.) across multiple connection terminals simultaneously. The locking units are configured to engage with various actuating element types, providing multi-functional protection without requiring separate specialized locking mechanisms for each element.
2Reliability
If individual housings are provided around each actuating element, then protection against unauthorized operation is improved, but direct visibility of actuating element status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block housing is designed with selective transparency or transparent sections at specific locations where actuating elements are positioned. This allows the status of individual actuating elements (such as whether a lever is in ON or OFF position) to be visually detected from the outside without compromising the overall protective housing structure. Each local area has optimized transparency quality to match the specific visibility needs of that actuating element.
3Reliability
If multiple individual locking mechanisms are used for each connection terminal, then prevention of simultaneous actuation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual locking mechanisms into a single integrated locking device that contains multiple locking units. These locking units are interconnected or coordinated through a common actuating mechanism, allowing them to lock or unlock multiple connection terminals simultaneously. This reduces the total number of separate locking components from N individual lockers to 1 integrated locking device with N locking units.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device incorporates dynamic coordination between its multiple locking units, allowing them to be actuated together as a group while still providing individual locking action at each connection terminal. The locking units can be dynamically engaged or disengaged in a coordinated manner, providing efficient simultaneous control without requiring separate manual operation for each terminal.
Data Source
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
Terminal block arrangement (100) comprising a terminal block (1) with a housing (2) and a plurality of connection terminals (3, 4, 5). Each connection terminal (3, 4, 5) comprises a terminal unit (6) for contacting a conductor (7), which can be accommodated on the connection terminal (3, 4, 5), and comprises an associated actuation unit (8) for actuating the terminal unit (6) in order to transfer the terminal unit (6) selectively between two positions (9, 10). One of the positions is an open position (9) and one of the positions is a contact position (10). A blocking device (11) is provided. In a blocking position (13), the blocking device (11) can prevent actuation of the actuation units (8) of a plurality of connection terminal (3, 4, 5) in unison.