Terminal Cover Housing Integration for PCB Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical installation devices face challenges in automatic assembly due to loosely plugged terminal blocks that require additional holding means to maintain correct positioning during assembly, leading to difficulties in securing the printed circuit board within the housing.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a connector component with a terminal support and a terminal cover, where the terminal cover is connected to the terminal board and subsequently to the housing, ensuring that each assembly step forms a firmly joined unit, eliminating the need for additional holding means and simplifying both automated and manual assembly processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the terminal block is loosely plugged onto the terminal lugs during assembly, then the assembly process can be simplified, but the terminal block cannot maintain correct positioning and may shift during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the terminal block with the terminal lugs in a loosely plugged state before insertion into the housing. This allows the terminal block to be prepared in advance while maintaining ease of assembly, and the positioning issue is resolved by the subsequent housing insertion that secures the terminal block in its correct position.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary element that resolves the positioning problem. The terminal block is first loosely connected to terminal lugs, then the housing is inserted to secure both the printed circuit board and terminal block in their correct positions, preventing any shifting during handling.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional holding means are used to secure the terminal block during assembly, then positioning stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple components into the housing structure. The housing not only encloses the device but also serves as the securing element that holds both the printed circuit board and terminal block in place, eliminating the need for separate holding means and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the enclosure and the mounting structure. It provides mechanical support, electrical insulation, and positioning functions for multiple components simultaneously, thereby avoiding the need for additional specialized holding components.
3Extent of automation
If the terminal block is secured by housing parts after insertion, then automatic assembly is enabled, but the assembly process becomes more complex with multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the assembly process into distinct modular steps: first assembling the terminal block with terminal lugs, then inserting the printed circuit board into the housing, and finally securing everything in place. This segmentation enables each step to be optimized for automation while maintaining clarity in the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to automatically secure the printed circuit board and terminal block through its own structural features during insertion, without requiring external holding means or complex securing mechanisms. The housing itself performs the securing function through its geometry and interaction with the components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The electrical installation device has a housing, a printed circuit board (3) fastened in the housing and a connection component for the connection of connecting conductors. The connection component has a partial component, which is fastened to the printed circuit board and another partial component, which is fastened to the former partial component. The latter partial component is fastened to a part of the housing is fastened in order to hold the printed circuit board in the housing. An independent claim is also included for a method for mounting an electrical installation device.