Terminal Block Structure With Metal Support Arms Against Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal block structures face issues with the upper elastic sheet deflecting from its installed position due to weaker plastic support, leading to increased friction and reduced wiring speed and operation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The terminal block structure incorporates a fixed terminal with metal elastic support arms and operatable terminals that enhance structural strength, preventing deflection by using metal material with better structural strength than plastic, ensuring the operatable terminals remain in place after long-term use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic frame is used to support the upper elastic sheet, then the terminal block structure is easier to manufacture, but the upper elastic sheet deflects from its installed position due to weaker support strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines plastic frame material with metal reinforcing ribs to create a composite structure. The plastic provides ease of manufacture and insulation, while the metal ribs provide enhanced support strength to prevent deflection of the upper elastic sheet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the frame into plastic components and metal reinforcing rib components. The metal reinforcing ribs are segmented elements embedded within or attached to the plastic frame to provide localized structural support where needed.
2Ease of operation
If upper elastic sheet is made movable for wiring operation, then wiring operation is enabled, but friction increases after deflection affecting subsequent operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides pre-designed guiding structures and positioning features that prevent excessive deflection of the upper elastic sheet during wiring operations. These structures cushion against improper operation and ensure the sheet returns to its correct position, maintaining operational reliability.
3Strength
If metal elastic support arms are used instead of plastic, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies metal material selectively only to the reinforcing ribs and elastic support arms where structural strength is critical, while the rest of the frame remains plastic. This localized application of different materials provides necessary strength without unnecessarily increasing overall manufacturing complexity.
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
The enhanced structural strength of metal elastic support arms maintains stable wiring speed and operation over time by reducing friction and maintaining the operatable terminals in their original position, thus ensuring long-term stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fixed terminal, comprising a transverse sheet disposed correspondingly to a bottom edge of each wiring trough and two upright sheets upward extended from two ends of the transverse sheet, and the two upright sheets being outward bent with two elastic support arms abutting against the two fixing blocks
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal block structure (10) includes an insulative base (1) and a connecting terminal module (2). The insulative base (1) has a chamber (11) therein and is extended with two fixing blocks (12). Two wiring troughs (14) are disposed thereon. The connecting terminal module (2) is accommodated in the chamber (11) and includes a fixed terminal (21) and two operatable terminals (22). The fixed terminal (21) has a transverse sheet (211) and two upright sheets (212). The two upright sheets (212) are outward bent with two elastic support arms (213) abutting against the two fixing blocks (12). Each operatable terminal (22) abuts against each elastic support arm (213) and each fixing block (12). An outer end of each operatable terminal (22) is extended with an operatable sheet (223) blocking between each wiring trough (14) and the chamber (11). An inner end is extended with a stopping sheet (222).