Terminal Block Housing Layout to Prevent Power Line Misconnection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In terminal blocks, erroneous connections of power supply lines can lead to short-circuiting and damage when multiple blocks are electrically connected, posing a risk of ignition.

Innovation Solution

The terminal block design incorporates a protruding portion that acts as an obstructing member, preventing connection of the input-side power supply line to the input-side power supply terminal, and a through hole that allows insertion of this obstructing member, ensuring correct alignment and preventing erroneous connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple terminal blocks are electrically connected using connecting wires, then electrical connectivity between blocks is achieved, but erroneous connections can cause short-circuiting and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidshort-circuiting and damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protruding portion acts as an intermediary obstructing member between the connecting wire and the power supply terminal. It physically blocks the wire from reaching the terminal, preventing erroneous connections while allowing correct connections through designated paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The obstructing member is pre-installed on the terminal block to prevent erroneous connections before they can occur. By having the protruding portion in place beforehand, the system proactively blocks potential short-circuiting paths rather than reacting to errors after they occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If an obstructing member is added to prevent erroneous connections, then connection safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection safetyVSAvoidhousing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protruding portion is integrated directly into the housing structure of the terminal block, combining the obstructing function with the existing housing rather than adding a separate component. This merging approach prevents erroneous connections while minimizing increases in device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protruding portion serves multiple functions: it acts as an obstructing member to prevent erroneous connections, provides structural support to the housing, and guides correct wire insertion paths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11870200B2Terminal block and terminal block set

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 OMRON CORP

AI summary

A terminal block which can be coupled to another terminal block in an electrically connected state includes a housing, an input-side power supply terminal and an output-side power supply terminal. The housing includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion. The input-side power supply terminal and the output-side power supply terminal are arranged along the second wall portion inside the housing. The housing includes a protruding portion that functions as an obstructing member that hinders connection of the input-side power supply line to the input-side power supply terminal and a through hole that is arranged in a vicinity of the input-side power supply terminal of the second wall portion and penetrates the second wall portion in the first direction to allow insertion of the obstructing member.