Terminal-Block Housing Contour for Shared Attachment Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal-block assemblies require different housings for various terminal-block devices, leading to the need for specific accessories for fastening, marking, and strain relief, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A terminal-block assembly design where the first and second housings are arrangeable in a row with the same contour, allowing for the use of identical attachment parts and reducing the need for specific accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different housings are used for various terminal-block devices, then the terminal-block devices can have different designs and functions, but the number of specific accessories required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized housing contour that can accommodate multiple terminal-block device designs. The housing includes a standardized attachment part arrangement interface that allows different terminal-block devices to use the same set of accessories (fastening, marking, strain relief), eliminating the need for device-specific accessories while maintaining design variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the housing into a standardized attachment interface portion and device-specific functional portions. The standardized contour and attachment part arrangement create a modular interface that separates the universal mounting functions from the specific terminal-block functions, allowing accessories to be standardized while device functions remain diverse.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different housings are used for various terminal-block devices, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized housing contour and attachment part arrangement provide a universal interface that simplifies assembly. Installers can use the same procedures and accessories for different terminal-block devices, reducing training requirements and assembly errors while maintaining functional optimization through different conductor connection configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining standardized features (contour, attachment interfaces) in specific regions of the housing while allowing variability in other regions (conductor connection openings, internal structures). This localized standardization reduces assembly complexity without compromising functional optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different housings are used for various terminal-block devices, then each device can have customized features, but costs increase due to multiple accessory types
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized housing contour and attachment part arrangement enable a universal accessory platform that can serve multiple terminal-block device types. This reduces the total number of accessory SKUs, lowers inventory costs, and simplifies manufacturing and supply chain management while still allowing customization of terminal-block functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the accessory interface requirements of different terminal-block devices into a single standardized system. By combining multiple device-specific accessory requirements into one universal interface, the solution reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while preserving device customization capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal-block assembly for connecting electrical conductors includes: a first terminal-block device having a first housing and a second terminal-block device having a second housing, the first housing and the second housing each having at least one conductor connection opening, a conductor connection opening of the at least one conductor connection opening in the first housing being offset with respect to a conductor connection opening of at least one conductor connection opening in the second housing relative to a base surface of the housings. The first housing and the second housing are arrangeable in a row and have, in a row direction of the first and second terminal-block devices, a same contour for arranging identical attachment parts on the first housing and on the second housing.