Terminal Block Spring Elements for Automatic Cross-Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical terminal blocks do not automatically ensure a cross-connection between two conductor connection elements of adjacent terminal blocks when a test or isolating plug is inserted, which can lead to manual errors and inconsistent connections.
Innovation Solution
The terminal block design incorporates two spring elements with resilient contact sections that form a contact area in front of the current bars, allowing automatic cross-connection between adjacent terminal blocks when a plug is inserted, ensuring secure and defined electrical contact before separating the current bars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional terminal blocks without spring elements are used, then the structure is simpler, but automatic cross-connection between adjacent terminal blocks cannot be ensured when a test or isolating plug is inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements are pre-positioned in the terminal block housing with their contact sections facing outward. These spring elements are preliminarily configured to automatically engage with adjacent terminal blocks when a plug is inserted, ensuring cross-connection is established before the main current bars separate. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for manual wiring configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements act as intermediary components between the main current bars and the external plug. When a test or isolating plug is inserted, the spring elements provide an intermediate contact path that ensures automatic cross-connection. The spring elements mediate the connection by engaging with adjacent terminal blocks through their resilient contact sections, bridging the gap between isolated terminal blocks.
2Ease of operation
If manual cross-connection wiring is used, then fewer components are needed, but manual errors and inconsistent connections occur
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block system performs self-service through the automatic engagement mechanism. When a test or isolating plug is inserted into the terminal block, the spring elements automatically engage with adjacent terminal blocks without requiring manual intervention. The resilient contact sections self-adjust to establish reliable electrical contact, eliminating manual wiring operations and ensuring consistent connections across all installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are pre-configured in the terminal block housing with their contact sections oriented to face outward toward adjacent terminal blocks. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when a plug is inserted, the cross-connection is automatically established in the correct configuration, eliminating manual wiring errors and ensuring operational consistency.
3Reliability
If spring elements with resilient contact sections are added, then automatic cross-connection is ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements serve multiple functions within the terminal block system. They provide resilient contact for automatic engagement, enable cross-connection between adjacent terminal blocks, and maintain electrical contact through their spring force. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, offsetting the added complexity with consolidated design benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements utilize elastic deformation as a key parameter change to achieve reliable contact. By incorporating resilient contact sections that can elastically deform, the system maintains consistent electrical contact pressure regardless of minor positioning variations or wear over time. This parameter-based approach (using elasticity) provides reliable contact without requiring precision mechanical adjustments or additional adjustment mechanisms.
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
This design ensures automatic and secure electrical connection between conductor connection elements of adjacent terminal blocks when a test or isolating plug is inserted, minimizing manual errors and ensuring consistent connections, particularly suitable for applications involving current transformers.
Implementation Method 1
two spring elements (12, 13), each of which has a resilient contact section (14, 14')
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric terminal block (1) comprising a terminal housing (2), two conductor connection elements (3, 4) arranged in the housing, and two current bars (5, 6). Each of the current bars (5, 6) has a connection portion (7, 7') and at least one first elastic contact portion (8, 8'). Each of the connection portions (7, 7') is paired with a respective conductor connection element (3, 4), and the contact portions (8, 8') together form a contact region (9) for receiving and contacting the plug (10) of a test plug (11) or disconnecting plug (29). The contact portions (8, 8') contact each other when no plug (10) is plugged in such that the two conductor connection elements (3, 4) are electrically connected together via the two current bars (5, 6). In the terminal block (1) according to the invention, a transverse connection between two conductor connection elements of two adjacent terminal blocks (1, 1') is produced automatically when a test plug (11) or disconnecting plug (29) is plugged onto the terminal blocks (1, 1') in that the terminal housing (2) is equipped with two spring elements (12, 13), each of which has an elastic contact portion (14, 14'); the contact portions (14, 14') of the two spring elements (12, 13) together form an additional contact region (15) for the plug (10), said contact region being arranged in front of the contact region (9) of the current bars (5, 6) in the plug-in direction (E) of the plug (10); and at least one of the spring elements (12, 13) has a receiving area (16) for a limb (17) of a plug-in bridge (18). A respective spring element (12, 13) is connected to a current bar (5, 6) in an electrically conductive manner via the plug (10) when the plug (10) is plugged into the terminal block (1).