Terminal Block Slide-Lock Assembly for Fast Secure Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection terminal blocks for electrical switching equipment are time-consuming and difficult to install due to the requirement of screw fixation.

Innovation Solution

A connection terminal block design that allows easy and quick fixation to a chassis using shape conjugation, featuring positioning and holding fingers and lugs that can be inserted and slid into corresponding orifices and slides in parallel or intersecting directions, along with a securing device that secures the cover to the support, preventing retraction and enabling precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw fixation is used to attach the terminal block to the chassis, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal block is divided into separate components: a support structure with positioning fingers and a cover with positioning lugs. These segmented parts can be independently positioned and secured to the chassis, eliminating the need for time-consuming screw fixation while maintaining connection reliability through the interlocking positioning features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning fingers and lugs are designed to automatically engage with corresponding recesses and slides on the chassis through shape conjugation. This self-positioning and self-locking mechanism eliminates the need for additional fastening operations, allowing rapid installation while ensuring secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If shape conjugation is used for quick fixation, then installation becomes easy and rapid, but the complexity of the positioning structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidpositioning structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning fingers on the support and lugs on the cover serve multiple functions: they guide the terminal block components onto the chassis during installation, position them precisely in the correct location, and provide mechanical interlocking to prevent disengagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate positioning and securing mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall structure despite the quick-fixation requirement.

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

3Productivity

If positioning fingers and lugs are used for shape matching fixation, then the terminal block can be quickly installed, but the risk of mispositioning increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning fingers and lugs are designed with asymmetric cross-sections that do not match unless oriented correctly. This asymmetric geometry ensures that the components can only be installed in the correct orientation, eliminating mispositioning risks while maintaining rapid assembly speed. The shape-conjugated features act as mechanical guides that physically prevent incorrect placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3909064B1Terminal block
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 HAGER ELECTRO SAS
  • EP3909064B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3909064B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3909064B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a terminal block that is able to be fastened to a frame of an electric cutting apparatus and comprises a holder (20) provided with at least one positioning and holding finger, a cover (40) provided with at least one positioning and holding peg (42) and a securing device (60). The at least one positioning and holding finger is able to be introduced into a positioning and holding recess in the frame. The at least one peg (42) is able to be slid in a positioning and holding slideway (114) of the frame. The securing device (60) secures the cover (40) to the holder (20) when the positioning and holding finger is introduced into the positioning and holding recess and the peg (42) is slid in the positioning and holding slideway (114).