Terminal Block Cover Interlock Using an SD Switch Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal blocks with safety features such as interlocking portions and strong-current interruption devices complicate the mechanism and increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block design featuring a casing with a terminal cover, an SD switch, and a lever portion that restricts the action of unfitting the cover, integrated with a bracket that interlocks with the SD switch to ensure worker safety without additional dedicated interlocking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a terminal block is equipped with a fitting detection device and strong-current interruption device to ensure worker safety, then worker safety is improved, but the mechanism becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the interlocking function with the strong-current interruption device (SD switch). The lever portion of the SD switch serves dual purposes: it mechanically disconnects the strong-current circuit and simultaneously acts as an interlocking portion that prevents removal of the terminal cover. This merging of functions eliminates the need for a separate interlocking mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining worker safety
Solution Approach 2:
The SD switch's lever portion is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the operating mechanism for strong-current interruption and simultaneously functions as an interlocking portion that restricts access to terminals. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both safety requirements, simplifying the overall device structure
2Reliability
If a terminal block is equipped with a fitting detection device and strong-current interruption device to ensure worker safety, then worker safety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the interlocking function with the strong-current interruption device (SD switch). The lever portion of the SD switch serves dual purposes: it mechanically disconnects the strong-current circuit and simultaneously acts as an interlocking portion that prevents removal of the terminal cover. This merging of functions eliminates the need for a separate interlocking mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining worker safety
Solution Approach 2:
The SD switch's lever portion is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the operating mechanism for strong-current interruption and simultaneously functions as an interlocking portion that restricts access to terminals. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both safety requirements, simplifying the overall device structure
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal block includes a casing, a terminal portion and an SD switch. The casing is provided to an electrical device. The terminal portion is provided on the casing and has a terminal cover that is fitted to a base for accommodating terminals. The SD switch is provided to the casing, and has a female connector and a lever portion that is fitted to the female connector to mechanical connect and disconnect from the electrical device. The lever portion constitutes an interlocking portion that restricts a disengaging operation of the terminal cover, when the lever portion is fitted to the female connector.