Electrical Terminal Labeling Area Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection terminals require users to search for identification markings when opening or closing, as the actuating element pivots upwards, obscuring the label and making it difficult to assign the terminal correctly.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connection terminal features a labeling area on its outer surface, visible at all times, which remains uncovered by the actuating element, allowing easy identification and operation, even when the terminal is open or closed, and can be inscribed using inkjet printers or plotters without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuating element is pivoted upwards to open the terminal, then the terminal can be opened for conductor insertion, but the labeling area becomes obscured and invisible to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The labeling area is positioned on a surface that remains in the user's field of vision regardless of the actuating element's pivot position. By relocating the labeling area from the actuating element to a fixed position on the housing, the information remains accessible in a different spatial dimension while the actuating element moves.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing surface is segmented into distinct functional areas: the actuating element for operation and the labeling area for identification. This segmentation allows the labeling area to remain stationary and visible while the actuating element moves independently to open or close the terminal.
2Device complexity
If the actuating element is designed to cover the labeling area when open, then the terminal structure is compact, but the user cannot read the label during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The labeling function is extracted from the actuating element and placed on a separate, fixed surface on the housing. This extraction allows the actuating element to move freely for operation while the label remains in a fixed, visible position, resolving the conflict between compact structure and label readability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the labeling area is placed on the actuating element, then the label is close to the operating mechanism, but the label becomes invisible when the terminal is opened
Solution Approach 1:
The labeling area is positioned on a fixed surface on the housing that remains in the user's field of vision regardless of the actuating element's position. This spatial repositioning ensures the label is always visible while maintaining ease of manufacture by using the existing housing surface.
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
This design enables users to easily recognize and operate the terminal without needing to search for markings, ensuring quick and accurate assignment of conductors, reducing time and effort in the connection process.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping spring (2) with a clamping leg (6) for clamping a conductor (10)
Implementation Method 2
an actuating element (12) mounted in the housing (5) for opening and closing the connection terminal (1), the actuating element (12) having a handle (27)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical terminal (1) comprising a clamping spring (2), a metal part (3), and a housing (5) accommodating the clamping spring (2) and the metal part (3), and comprising at least one conductor insertion opening (4), wherein an actuation element (12) supported in the housing (5) is provided for opening and closing the terminal (1), wherein the actuation element (12) comprises a handle (27), through which the actuation element (12) can be transferred into an opened and into an closed state. A labeling area (28), which is arranged in such a way that the labeling area (28) is visible to a user at any time, is provided for marking the terminal (1).