Terminal Block Holder Assembly That Prevents Screw Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional terminal blocks face issues with securing members like screws or bolts being lost or not meeting standards, leading to potential risks such as fires due to improper securing of plate terminals.

Innovation Solution

A terminal block design featuring a holder assembly with a retainer ring integrally formed with the holder terminal to prevent detachment of securing members, combined with an elastic member for support and a nut member for secure fastening, reducing the risk of loss and ensuring standard compliance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional securing members (screws or bolts) are used to secure plate terminals, then the assembly process is simple, but the securing members can be lost or detached, leading to safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of securing plate terminalVSAvoidsecurity of securing member
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holder assembly integrates the securing member retention function directly into the holder terminal structure. The retainer ring is integrally formed with the holder terminal, creating a unified structure that prevents securing member detachment while maintaining ease of operation. This merging eliminates the need for separate retention mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer ring acts as an intermediary element between the holder terminal and the securing member. It provides a mechanical interface that captures and retains the securing member, preventing its detachment while allowing for easy installation and removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If hand tools are used by workers to secure plate terminals, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but the risk of losing securing members increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidloss of securing member
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The holder assembly design makes the securing member retention self-service through its integrated retainer ring structure. The retainer ring automatically captures and holds the securing member in place during assembly operations, eliminating the need for additional retention steps or tools while preventing loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If non-standard securing members are used due to loss of original securing members, then assembly can continue, but the plate terminal may not be firmly secured, creating fire risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly continuityVSAvoidsecure fastening of plate terminal
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer ring provides beforehand cushioning by preventing securing member detachment before it can lead to loss or improper replacement. This proactive retention mechanism ensures that only standard, proper securing members are used, maintaining both assembly continuity and safety standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 design effectively prevents securing member loss, enhances assembly efficiency, and reduces costs by ensuring secure fastening of plate terminals, thereby minimizing fire risks.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member provided in the block housing and elastically supporting the holder assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250392062A1Terminal Block
Publication Date: 2025.12.25 TYCO ELECTRONICS AMP KOREA
  • US20250392062A1 patent drawing
  • US20250392062A1 patent drawing
  • US20250392062A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A terminal block includes a block housing, a holder assembly provided to be vertically movable in the block housing, a nut member passing through an inner side of the holder assembly and securely installed in the block housing, and an elastic member provided in the block housing and elastically supporting the holder assembly. The holder assembly includes a holder terminal and a securing member configured to secure a plate terminal. The holder terminal is integrally formed with a retainer ring that prevents the securing member from being detached from the holder terminal.