Terminal Block With Triangular Jaw Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing terminal blocks for connecting electric wires, particularly for thermocouples, face challenges in achieving precise connections without potential differences, are costly, and require multiple components and materials compatible with wire diameters, leading to complexity and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A terminal block with a body made of insulating material featuring a central chamber with clamping means comprising two metal jaws with triangular lugs, operated by a single screw, ensuring reliable centring and clamping of wires regardless of diameter, reducing parts and assembly costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If double terminals with bars made of different material are used to ensure precise electrical connection without potential differences, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection precisionVSAvoidterminal block structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the two separate terminals and the intermediate bar into a single integrated terminal block body made of insulating material. The wires are clamped together directly within the same terminal structure, eliminating the need for separate components and different materials, thus reducing complexity while maintaining electrical connection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal block is designed as a universal structure that can connect wires of different materials directly together within a single insulating body. The design accommodates various wire types without requiring material-specific components, achieving both simplicity and precision through a multi-functional design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If material and dimension compatibility is ensured for different wire types, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of terminal block variants increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection precisionVSAvoidterminal block compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal block employs a universal design with a single insulating body structure that can accommodate wires of various materials and diameters. The clamping mechanism is designed to securely hold different wire types without requiring specialized variants, achieving both precision and versatility through standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal block design allows for parameter variations (wire material, diameter) to be handled by the same basic structure through adjustable clamping forces and universal geometry, rather than requiring different terminal block designs for each wire type specification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If direct clamping by screws is used to simplify design, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal block structureVSAvoidelectrical connection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the clamping function and electrical connection function into a single integrated terminal structure. The screws clamp both wires simultaneously within the insulating body, achieving precise electrical connection without requiring complex multi-component assemblies or intermediate bars.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP1944832B1Terminal block for connecting electric cables.
Publication Date: 2010.11.24 MORSETTITALA
  • EP1944832B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3b

AI summary

Terminal block comprising a body (10) having, formed internally, a chamber (11) for housing clamping means (30) for retaining the ends (1a,2a) of electric cables (1,2), which can be operated by means of operating means (20), at least two openings (12) for introducing said wires (1,2), at least one opening (14) for access to said operating means (20), said clamping means (30) consisting of at least two jaws (31,32) which are situated opposite each other in the direction (Z-Z) transverse to the longitudinal direction of the electric wires and respectively comprising at least one base (31a,32a) and at least one pair of lugs (31b,32b) which are discontinuous in the longitudinal direction (X-X) so as to define respective seats (31c,32c) suitable for engagement in the vertical direction (Z-Z) with corresponding lugs (32b,31b) of the other jaw (32,31) and said lugs (31a,32a) having a cross-section substantially in the form of an isosceles triangle.