Terminal Block Seal Groove Structure for Mounting Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional terminal blocks face challenges in reducing mounting errors of sealing members, particularly dynamic seals, which affect their workability and sealing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block design featuring an annular recessed groove with protruding abutting portions on the sealing member that ensures proper alignment and attachment, preventing the sealing member from falling off or becoming misaligned during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional mounting structures are used for sealing members, then the structure is simple, but mounting errors occur and sealing effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing abutting portions on only one radial side of the sealing member that engage with corresponding abutting surfaces on one radial side of the groove. This asymmetric configuration creates a predetermined mounting orientation, preventing mounting errors while maintaining structural simplicity. The asymmetric design ensures the sealing member can only be installed in the correct orientation, thereby improving mounting precision without significantly complicating the overall structure.
2Reliability
If the sealing member is made secure to prevent falling off, then reliability improves, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the engagement interface into multiple discrete abutting portions distributed around the circumference of the sealing member, rather than using a single continuous engagement structure. These segmented abutting portions engage with corresponding surfaces on the groove, providing reliable mechanical retention and sealing contact points. This segmentation approach ensures reliability by distributing the load and sealing contact across multiple points while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric placement of abutting portions on specific radial sides of the groove creates a predetermined mounting orientation that enhances reliability. This asymmetric configuration ensures the sealing member is securely positioned in the correct orientation, preventing both falling off and improper sealing, while avoiding the need for complex multi-directional engagement structures.
3Ease of operation
If mounting orientation is not controlled, then the structure is simple, but workability deteriorates due to mounting errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by providing abutting portions on specific radial sides of the sealing member that correspond to abutting surfaces on the groove. This asymmetric configuration creates a unique, predetermined mounting orientation that is visually and mechanically apparent during installation. The asymmetric design guides the installer to the correct orientation naturally, improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures while simultaneously ensuring high mounting orientation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutting portions and abutting surfaces are designed to self-align during the mounting process. The geometric configuration of these features automatically guides the sealing member into the correct orientation as it is being installed, without requiring external alignment tools or complex procedures. This self-aligning mechanism improves both ease of operation and mounting precision by allowing the structure itself to enforce proper orientation.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal block includes: a housing that includes an attachment face that abuts onto an attachment target, a bus bar holder that holds a bus bar to cause the bus bar to cross the attachment face, the bus bar extending in an axial direction, and an annular recessed groove that is provided on the attachment face outside the bus bar holder around the axial direction, the annular recessed groove including a bottom face and two side walls; and a sealing member that is provided in the annular recessed groove, and has an annular shape.