Terminal Block Socket With Perpendicular Ejection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical components with narrower designs face challenges in reliably ejecting or reaching accommodated components, especially when installed close to other devices, due to limited installation width and space constraints, making it difficult to insert or remove them without complex disassembly processes.
Innovation Solution
An electrical component with a plug-in socket and manipulation means that allows for easy insertion and removal of accommodated components, such as relays or optocouplers, by using a U-shaped design and a manipulation means with a grip feature and ejection device, enabling non-destructive separation and reducing the overall installation width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the installation width of electrical components is reduced to accommodate more components per mounting rail, then the quantity of components per unit length increases, but the ease of operation for inserting and removing accommodated components deteriorates due to limited space for manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection device is actuated in a direction perpendicular to the pull-out direction of the accommodated component. Instead of pulling the component directly out along its insertion axis, the ejection device pushes the component from the side, utilizing a perpendicular dimension to achieve ejection. This allows for easier operation even in narrow installation widths, as the actuation can be performed from above without requiring lateral space.
2Area of stationary object
If the installation width is reduced to allow closer arrangement of electrical components, then the space efficiency improves, but the reliability of ejecting accommodated components deteriorates due to insufficient space for ejection devices
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection device utilizes a perpendicular actuation direction to push the accommodated component, enabling reliable ejection even in narrow installation widths. The actuation portion is arranged above the electrical component, allowing force to be applied from a different dimension that does not compromise the narrow profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuation force and the accommodated component. It includes an actuation portion that receives force from a tool or manual operation, and an ejection portion that transfers this force to push the accommodated component perpendicular to its pull-out direction, ensuring reliable ejection in constrained spaces.
3Area of stationary object
If the installation width is reduced, then the overall footprint decreases, but the ease of operation for reaching and manipulating accommodated components worsens due to limited access space
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation is shifted from the lateral dimension to the vertical dimension. The ejection device is actuated from above the electrical component in a direction perpendicular to the pull-out direction, allowing operators to access and manipulate components from above even when lateral access is constrained by narrow installation widths.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical component is provided, comprising at least one plug-in socket for receiving an accommodated component, in particular a relay or an optocoupler, in or on the electrical component, the accommodated component having first electrical contact elements on its underside, for being electrically connected to second electrical contact elements of the electrical component, and wherein in an active position of the accommodated component, the first electrical contact elements are electrically connected with the second electrical contact elements of the electrical component on the plug-in socket, and comprising a manipulation means, by means of which the accommodated component can be more easily plugged into the active position in the plug-in socket and/or pulled out thereof, wherein the manipulation means has a spacing portion, and wherein a free end of the spacing portion protrudes beyond the electrical component and/or beyond the accommodated component that is inserted in the plug-in socket in the active position.