Terminal Block Marker Holder Insertion and Pivoting Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for identifying electrical junction blocks are complex, expensive, and impractical, often requiring dedicated fixing zones or collective marker carriers that complicate handling and introduce errors.

Innovation Solution

An individual marker carrier for electrical junction blocks featuring a first fixing part that inserts into a shunt well and a second identification part that pivots for easy access, allowing for clear identification markings without obstructing connection terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a common label holder is provided for various terminal blocks aligned side by side, then the identification system is established, but the procedure becomes tedious and introduces risks of handling and identification errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the identification system into individual marker holders, each dedicated to a specific terminal block. This segmentation eliminates the need to operate a common label holder across multiple blocks, thereby reducing handling errors and simplifying the identification process for each individual block.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If an individual marker holder is equipped with dedicated fixing zone and mounting hardware, then the marker holder can be securely attached, but the overall size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarker holder attachmentVSAvoidmarker holder structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the marker holder with the existing shunt well structure. The marker holder utilizes the shunt well's inherent features (opening in the insulating housing) as its fixing zone, eliminating the need for separate dedicated fixing zones and additional mounting hardware. This integration maintains secure attachment while simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shunt well serves multiple functions: it accommodates shunt jumpers for electrical connection and provides the fixing structure for the marker holder. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated attachment mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If the marker holder obstructs the connection terminals, then the identification is visible, but the access to terminals is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking visibilityVSAvoidterminal accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The marker holder is designed with a movable second part that can be pivoted or rotated. This dynamic feature allows the marker holder to be positioned out of the way when terminal access is needed, while still providing visible identification when in its normal position. The shunt well opening provides the necessary space for this movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Loss of information

If a separator is fitted with marking label on the front face, then the identification is provided, but the connection terminals become inaccessible and information hard to read

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction identificationVSAvoidterminal access and reading
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the marking function from the separator/shunt component and places it on a dedicated marker holder that utilizes the shunt well opening. This separation allows the marker to be positioned for optimal visibility without blocking terminal access, as the marker holder can be oriented independently from the separator structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3244489B1Terminal block with marking-holder capable of being secured in a hole of a shunt
Publication Date: 2020.12.16 TYCO ELECTRONICS SERVICES GMBH
  • EP3244489B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3244489B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3244489B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

An individual marker holder (10) for an electrical terminal block (11) is described. The terminal block (11) comprises an insulating housing (12) having a rear face (15) equipped with fastening elements (16) for fixing the terminal block (11) to a support rail in an arrangement in which a plurality of terminal blocks (11) are arranged side by side in the same row oriented along the support rail. The marker holder (10) includes a first fastening portion (19) configured so that it can be fixed by insertion into a shunt well (18) provided in a front face (17) of the insulating housing (12) of the terminal block (11).