Terminal Block Rail Engagement Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional terminal blocks have a complex and space-consuming rail-engaging structure that requires manual tilting and rotation, making the operation inconvenient and requiring significant space.

Innovation Solution

A terminal block with a novel rail-engaging structure featuring a terminal block body, an engaging member with a claw and stop block, an elastic member, and a hook member, which allows for sliding and pivotal movements to engage with a rail efficiently, reducing the need for space and simplifying the operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the conventional rail-engaging structure is used, then the terminal block can engage with the rail, but the engagement process is complicated and requires significant space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement operationVSAvoidoperational space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rail-engaging structure is divided into two independent components: a slide block for horizontal sliding engagement and a hook block for vertical hooking engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall engagement process and reducing the space required for operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement sequence is inverted compared to conventional designs. Instead of requiring the entire terminal block to be tilted and rotated, the slide block first engages horizontally with the rail, then the hook block engages vertically. This inversion of engagement direction eliminates the need for complex tilting and rotating operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the conventional rail-engaging structure is used, then the terminal block can engage with the rail, but the engagement process is complicated and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement operationVSAvoidengagement process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rail-engaging structure is divided into two independent components: a slide block for horizontal sliding engagement and a hook block for vertical hooking engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall engagement process and reducing the space required for operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic element automatically pushes the slide block to engage with the rail without requiring manual intervention for the entire terminal block. The spring-loaded mechanism provides self-service engagement, eliminating the need for complex manual tilting and rotating operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the conventional rail-engaging structure is used, then the terminal block can engage with the rail, but it requires manual tilting and rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement reliabilityVSAvoidengagement operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement sequence is inverted compared to conventional designs. Instead of requiring the entire terminal block to be tilted and rotated, the slide block first engages horizontally with the rail, then the hook block engages vertically. This inversion of engagement direction eliminates the need for complex tilting and rotating operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The slide block acts as an intermediary component that first engages with the rail to establish horizontal positioning. This intermediary engagement simplifies the subsequent vertical engagement of the hook block, making the overall process easier and more reliable than direct engagement of the entire terminal block.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The improved structure enables a space-saving and convenient engagement process, allowing for easy and rapid connection with a rail without the need for tilting or rotating the terminal block, significantly reducing operational space requirements.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member (4), which is pressed between the intermediate blocking portion (23) and the blocking portion (321) and has an elastic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9276333B1Terminal block with improved rail-engaging structure

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 DINKLE ENTERPRISE CO LTD

AI summary

A terminal block includes a terminal block body, an engaging member, an elastic member, and a hook member. The terminal block body includes left and intermediate blocking portions. The engaging member is slidably provided on the terminal block body and includes a clawed operating portion, a connecting portion connected to the operating portion, and a stop block provided on the operating portion in order to be blocked by the left blocking portion. A blocking portion is formed where the connecting portion and the operating portion are connected. The elastic member is provided in the operating portion and pressed between the intermediate blocking portion and the blocking portion. The hook member includes an upper end movably connected to the connecting portion, a hooked lower end, and a pivotal connecting portion located therebetween and pivotally connected to the terminal block body. The terminal block is space-saving and features increased convenience of operation.