Terminal Box Clamping Element for Circuit Board Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal boxes for electric motors, particularly those in centrifugal pumps, are complex and costly to manufacture due to the need for separate assembly steps for electrical contacting and mechanical fixation of circuit boards, which also limits their modularity and ease of maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A terminal box design featuring a clamping element integrated into the housing that allows for simultaneous electrical contacting and mechanical fixation of circuit boards with a simple linear movement, eliminating the need for additional assembly steps and enabling easy exchange of circuit boards, and incorporating a strip conductor system cast into the housing to reduce manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate assembly steps are used for electrical contacting and mechanical fixation of circuit boards, then reliable electrical connections are achieved, but manufacturing complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical contacting and mechanical fixation functions into a single integrated terminal block assembly. The terminal block simultaneously provides electrical connection contacts and mechanical mounting features (such as integrated clamping or snap-fit structures) that secure the circuit board in one assembly operation, eliminating the need for separate electrical and mechanical assembly steps while maintaining reliable electrical connections
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple assembly steps are required for circuit board installation, then precise positioning is achieved, but production time and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block is pre-designed and pre-positioned on the terminal box with integrated positioning features (such as guide pins, alignment slots, or molded-in positioning structures) that automatically ensure correct circuit board placement. This preliminary preparation of the mounting structure allows the circuit board to be quickly installed with precise positioning in a single step, without requiring multiple adjustment or alignment operations
3Stability of the object's composition
If circuit boards are permanently fixed, then structural stability is achieved, but modularity and ease of maintenance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block incorporates reversible mechanical fixation mechanisms (such as spring-loaded clamps, snap-fit features with release buttons, or threaded fasteners) that provide stable holding force during operation to ensure structural stability, while allowing easy release and removal of the circuit board when maintenance or replacement is needed. This dynamic fixation system transitions between a locked stable state during operation and an easily releasable state for maintenance
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal box (45) for electrical connection to an electric motor (32), in particular of a circulation pump (10), includes at least one wall (215) and at least one circuit board (145), wherein the terminal box (45) on the wall (215) includes at least one electrical contact (220) for connection to the circuit board (145), said contact designed as a clamping element (220) for releasably clamping the circuit board (145) which is orientated with its flat sides (150, 152) perpendicularly to this wall (215). A terminal box system includes at least two different circuit boards (145, 145′) selectively insertable into the at least one clamping element (220) of the terminal box (45) and/or at least two different covers (105, 105′) selectively connectable to a housing part (100) of the terminal box (45). A pump assembly (5) includes such a terminal box (45) or such a terminal box system.