Terminal Block Lockout Tagout Device with Blocking Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lockout and tagging devices for switchable terminal blocks do not provide a safe and convenient method to ensure de-energization and visual indication, leading to potential hazards during maintenance tasks as workers often fail to properly de-energize or tag circuits, risking accidents.

Innovation Solution

A lockout and tagging device with a female receptacle and a moveable actuator that includes a blocking member to prevent switching into a non-isolating state, combined with a warning tag system, ensuring the circuit remains de-energized and providing a visual warning, using non-conductive materials and a banana-type plug and jack configuration for secure and safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional lockout device is used on a terminal block, then the circuit can be de-energized, but there is no positive blocking mechanism to prevent the actuator from being moved and accidental energization can occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit de-energization safetyVSAvoidactuator movement control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member is positioned to prevent the actuator from moving to the non-isolating state before any energization can occur. This preliminary blocking action ensures that even if someone attempts to move the actuator, the safety is maintained by physically preventing the harmful action in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The lockout device is installed and the blocking member is positioned to block the actuator movement before maintenance work begins. This preliminary setup ensures that the circuit remains de-energized throughout the maintenance process, preventing accidental energization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a lockout device is installed on a terminal block, then circuit de-energization is achieved, but visual warning indication is not provided to alert other workers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit de-energizationVSAvoidvisual warning indication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The device includes a tag member with visual indicators that can be seen by other workers. The tag provides color-coded or visually distinct signals to communicate the lockout status, ensuring that information about the de-energized state is not lost and is clearly visible to all personnel in the area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If the lockout device uses conductive materials for electrical connection, then good electrical contact is achieved, but the risk of accidental energization and electrical shock increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection qualityVSAvoidelectrical shock hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional parts: the male member for electrical connection and the blocking member for safety. This segmentation allows the electrical connection function to be separated from the safety blocking function, enabling the use of conductive materials only where needed for electrical contact while maintaining non-conductive safety features elsewhere.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The male member acts as an intermediary that provides the necessary electrical connection while the blocking member serves as a separate intermediary that prevents accidental energization. This dual-intermediary approach allows electrical connectivity to be maintained while introducing an additional safety layer that mediates against harmful electrical shock.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If a simple tag system is used without a blocking mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety assurance and compliance with lockout/tagout standards is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidsafety assurance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges the tag function and the blocking function into a single integrated unit. The tag member and blocking member are combined in one device, eliminating the need for separate tag and blocking mechanisms. This merging maintains simplicity while ensuring both visual warning and positive blocking are provided, meeting safety standards without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9059533B2Lockout and tagging device and assembly for a switchable energy isolation device such as a terminal block

Publication Date: 2015.06.16 DTE ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A lockout and tagging device and assembly for a switchable energy isolation device such as a terminal block are provided. The lockout and tagging device includes a base member configured to support a tag and a male member extending from the base member and including a retaining portion complementary to a female receptacle of the isolation device to retain the male member in a female receptacle after insertion of the male member into the female receptacle. The lockout and tagging device also includes a blocking member extending from the base member. The blocking member positively blocks an actuator of the isolation device from moving and switching the isolation device into its non-isolating state when the male member is retained in the female receptacle. A circuit coupled to the isolation device is positively de-energized when the actuator is blocked in the isolating state.