Terminal Block Spring Contact Switching Sequence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical terminal blocks for connecting current transformers have complex designs and laborious assembly processes, particularly with insertion bridges that require deflection against spring force, leading to potential short-term interruptions in circuit connections.
Innovation Solution
The electrical terminal block incorporates two spring elements with connecting sections electrically connected to current bar pieces, forming a second contact area that ensures safe and delayed opening of cross-connections between terminal blocks when a plug is inserted, and early closure when the plug is removed, eliminating the need for additional insertion bridges and ensuring reliable electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If insertion bridges are used to ensure cross-connection between terminal blocks, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but assembly complexity increases due to required deflection against spring force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the insertion bridge component entirely from the terminal block design. Instead of using a separate insertion bridge to establish cross-connections, the current bars themselves are designed with contact sections that directly form the cross-connection when plugs are inserted, eliminating the need for deflection against spring force during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the function of the insertion bridge with the current bar structure. The current bars are designed to have contact sections that directly engage with plugs to establish both the primary electrical connection and the cross-connection between terminal blocks, merging multiple functions into a single integrated component
2Reliability
If current bars are designed with resilient contact sections that form contact areas, then safe switching sequences are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using resilient contact sections on the current bars that require complex positioning and deflection mechanisms, the patent inverts the approach by making the plugs resilient and the current bars rigid. The resilient plugs automatically make and break contact with the rigid current bar contact sections, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining safe switching sequences
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resilience parameter from the current bars to the plugs. By transferring the elastic property to the plugs rather than the current bars, the design achieves safe switching sequences through the plug's ability to deflect and make contact, while the current bars remain structurally simple and rigid
3Adaptability or versatility
If cross-connections are opened when plugs are inserted, then circuit testing functionality is improved, but risk of premature interruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the contact sections and plug geometry so that contact is established in a predetermined sequence during insertion. The cross-connection is opened only after the primary electrical connection is firmly established, ensuring that circuit testing functionality is achieved without premature interruption of connections
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 simplifies assembly, ensures safe switching sequences for current transformers, and prevents premature interruption of cross-connections, maintaining a stable electrical connection during plug insertion and withdrawal processes.
Implementation Method 1
two spring elements, each having a connecting section and a resilient contact section, the connecting sections each being electrically conductively connected to one of the current bar pieces
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electric terminal block comprising a block housing (2), two conductor connection elements (3, 4) arranged in the housing, two current bars (5, 6), and two additional current bar pieces (7, 8). Each of the current bars (5, 6) has a connection portion (9, 9'), a first contact portion (10, 10'), and a second contact portion (11, 11'), each connection portion (9, 9') being paired with a conductor connection element (3, 4). The first contact portions (10, 10') together form a first contact region (12) for receiving the plug (13) of an operating plug (14) or a test plug (15), and the first contact portions (10, 10') are mutually spaced. At least one of the current bar pieces (7, 8) is equipped with at least one recess for inserting a limb (16) of a plug-in bridge (17). In the terminal block (1) according to the invention, a reliable switching sequence when plugging and unplugging an operating or test plug (14, 15) is ensured in that the terminal housing (2) is equipped with two spring elements (18, 19), each of which has a connection portion (20, 20') and an elastic contact portion (21, 21'); each of the spring elements (18, 19) is connected to one of the current bar pieces (7, 8) in an electrically conductive manner; the contact portions (21, 21') together form a second contact region (22) for receiving the plug (13), said contact portions (21, 21') being mutually spaced when the plug (13) is not plugged in; and the contact region (22) of the spring elements (18, 19) is arranged in front of the contact region (12) of the current bars (5, 6) in the plug-in direction (E) of the plug (13).