Terminal Block Sensor Mounting Aid for Stable Lead Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for attaching a cold junction sensor to a terminal block in temperature measuring units are prone to unstable attachment states and connection failures due to the thin shape of the sensor leads and the large dimensions of the terminal block holes.
Innovation Solution
An electronic-component-equipped terminal block configuration that includes an attachment assistance tool with a base portion, insertion portions, and a receiving portion, which stabilizes the attachment of the electronic component by guiding the leads and accommodating the component body, thereby preventing misalignment and connection failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cold junction sensor is preliminarily attached to the terminal block by inserting leads into through holes, then the attachment process becomes simple, but the attachment state becomes unstable and connection failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fixation member as an intermediary component between the cold junction sensor leads and the terminal block through holes. This fixation member has a receiving portion that accommodates the leads and insertion portions that fit into the through holes, mediating the connection between the sensor and terminal block to prevent lead dislocation while maintaining ease of attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation member is segmented into distinct functional portions: a receiving portion for holding the leads and insertion portions for engaging with the terminal block holes. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, with the receiving portion securing the leads and the insertion portions providing stable mechanical engagement
2Measurement precision
If the cold junction sensor is placed outside the temperature measuring unit, then measurement accuracy improves, but the attachment becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation member serves as a mediator that simplifies the attachment process while enabling the sensor to be positioned outside the temperature measuring unit. It provides a straightforward insertion mechanism through the terminal block without requiring complex mounting structures, thus maintaining attachment simplicity while achieving accurate external placement
3Volume of moving object
If the leads of the cold junction sensor are thin, then the sensor size is reduced, but the attachment stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation member acts as an intermediary that compensates for the thin lead structure. It provides a robust mechanical interface with a receiving portion that secures the thin leads internally, preventing them from bending or disconnecting despite their slender profile, thus maintaining both compact sensor size and attachment stability
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 proposed solution stabilizes the attachment state of the electronic component to the terminal block, preventing connection failures and ensuring accurate temperature measurements by minimizing the influence of heat generation and external forces.
Implementation Method 1
an attachment assistance tool for an electronic component that can stabilize the attachment state when the electronic component is attached to the terminal block
Implementation Method 2
a receiving portion configured to receive and accommodate at least a rear portion of a component body of the electronic component
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic-component-equipped terminal block (3) includes: a terminal block (10) including a first through hole (13R) and a second through hole (13L) provided in a front wall (12); an electronic component (200) including a component body (210), a first lead (211R) and a second lead (211L); and an electrically insulating attachment assistance tool (100A). The attachment assistance tool (100A) includes: a base portion (110) arranged outside a housing (11) such that a rear surface thereof abuts against the front wall (12); and a first insertion portion (120R) and a second insertion portion (120L) protruding from the rear surface of the base portion (110) to be thereby inserted into the first through hole (13R) and the second through hole (13L), respectively. The attachment assistance tool (100A) is provided with a first passage portion through which the first lead (211R) is inserted, and a second passage portion through which the second lead (211L) is inserted, and a receiving portion (113) that receives and accommodates at least a rear portion of the component body (210) is provided at a front-side position.