Universal Terminal Block Resilient Clamp for Flat Pin Contacts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional terminal blocks require a dedicated block for each type of movable contact, leading to increased production and warehouse management costs, and do not allow for easy variation in the type of movable flat-pin contact without replacing the block.

Innovation Solution

A universal fuse-holder terminal block with an insulating body and conducting parts featuring a resilient clamp design for stable engagement of electric wires and flat-pin contacts, allowing for easy assembly and use with various types of movable contacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated terminal block is provided for each type of movable contact, then the engagement reliability is improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal block is designed with a universal resilient clamp structure that can accommodate multiple types of movable contacts (fuses, isolators, etc.) through a single standardized interface. The clamp's elastic deformation capability allows it to adapt to different pin dimensions while maintaining reliable electrical engagement, eliminating the need for dedicated terminal blocks for each contact type.

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

2Reliability

If a dedicated terminal block is provided for each type of movable contact, then the engagement reliability is improved, but the production and warehouse management costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement reliabilityVSAvoidproduction and warehouse management costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal block design enables a single standardized product to replace multiple specialized terminal blocks, reducing production variety and simplifying warehouse management. The resilient clamp structure maintains reliable engagement across different contact types while allowing manufacturers to produce a limited range of standardized components.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If a universal terminal block is designed to accommodate any movable contact type, then the adaptability is improved, but the engagement stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidengagement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient clamp utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter to adapt to different contact pin dimensions. By controlling the clamp's material properties and geometric parameters, the design ensures that the deformation remains within elastic limits, providing both adaptability to various contact types and stable engagement through consistent elastic recovery force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If a resilient clamp design is used for universal engagement, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient clamp design transforms the engagement problem from a precision fitting issue to an elastic deformation issue. By designing the clamp with appropriate material selection and geometric parameters, the system accommodates dimensional variations in different contact types through controlled elastic deformation, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements compared to rigid interference fits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables the use of a single terminal block with any type of movable flat-pin contact, reducing component parts and costs, ensuring stable and reliable electrical contact while simplifying assembly and management.

Implementation Method 1

said conducting part having an end opposite to the wire retaining end formed in the manner of a resilient clamp which is open on one side for insertion, retention and electric contact with the respective flat pin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1953869B1Terminal block with jaw part for engagement with the flat pin of movable electric contacts
Publication Date: 2014.07.30 MORSETTITALA
  • EP1953869B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP1953869B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~6b
  • EP1953869B1 patent drawingFigure 7a~7c

AI summary

Terminal block for connecting electric wires (2,2a) by means of a movable contact (1) with flat pins (1a), which comprises an insulating body (10;110) and two conducting parts (20) housed inside it and associated with respective means (40;140;240) for retaining the free end (2a) of a respective electric wire (2), said conducting part (20) having an end opposite to the end for retaining the wire (2) formed in the manner of a resilient clamp (31) which is open on one side for insertion, retention and electric contact with the respective flat pin (1a) of the movable contact (1).