Distribution Terminal Block Spring Support With Integrated Mandrels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conductor terminals face challenges in securely supporting clamping springs under large forces while minimizing material usage and costs, especially when dealing with a large number of spring-loaded clamping connections.
Innovation Solution
The use of mandrels with head sections that protrude beyond the spring arc and are supported by receiving grooves in the housing, combined with a bus bar arrangement featuring retaining tabs and interconnected metal components, allows for stable and cost-effective support of clamping springs, enabling a compact and efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mandrels with head sections are used to support clamping springs, then the clamping springs are securely supported under large forces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel is integrated with the housing as a single component, combining the support function with the housing structure. This eliminates the need for separate support elements while maintaining secure clamping spring support under large forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel serves multiple functions: it supports the clamping spring, provides a mounting point for the spring, and integrates with the housing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the device.
2Reliability
If more material is used for mandrels to support large forces, then the clamping springs are securely supported, but the material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel features a head section with increased local mass and surface area specifically at the clamping spring contact point. This localized material concentration provides the necessary support for large forces while keeping the overall material usage low, reducing both weight and cost.
3Device complexity
If a compact design with fewer components is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to securely support clamping springs under large forces is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel is integrated with the housing as a single component, combining the support function with the housing structure. This eliminates the need for separate support elements while maintaining secure clamping spring support under large forces.
Data Source
AI summary
A conductor terminal in the form of a distribution terminal block, which comprises a housing with a number of conductor insertion openings and spring-loaded clamping connections arranged in the housing and accessible via the conductor insertion openings for the purpose of connection of electrical conductors. The spring-loaded clamping connections being electrically conductively interconnected via a bus bar arrangement.