Terminal Removable Device Push-Button Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal removable devices in electric facilities, such as switchboards and PV equipment, require complex operations for mounting and removing terminals, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A terminal removable device with a casing and a movable member that includes a latching portion and a protrusion, allowing for simple operation by moving the movable member from a first position to a second position to latch or release the terminal, with a display and viewing assist portion for improved visibility and user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a terminal block with a rod and projection structure is used to eliminate screws, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome knob lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional knob-lifting operation by implementing a push-button mechanism. Instead of requiring the user to lift a knob to release the terminal, the user simply pushes the button, which automatically triggers the release mechanism. This inversion transforms a multi-step lifting operation into a single push action, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism is designed to be self-actuating. When the button is pushed, it automatically triggers the movable member to shift positions and release the terminal through the lever mechanism. The system performs the release action automatically without requiring the user to manually manipulate additional components, thereby improving operability while keeping the structure simple.
2Reliability
If the movable member is positioned at the second position to latch the terminal, then the terminal is securely fixed, but the display visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the conflict between latching reliability and display visibility by utilizing a third dimension - the vertical movement of the display along with the button. The display is positioned on the button such that when the button is in the first position (unlatched state), the display protrudes from the housing for maximum visibility. When the button is pushed to the second position (latched state), the entire assembly moves downward, but the display remains visible through the housing opening, maintaining both reliability and visibility through spatial arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal removable device includes a casing having an insertion port structured such that a terminal can be inserted therein, and a movable member including a latching portion configured to latch the terminal by moving from a first position to a second position with respect to the terminal inserted into the casing. The movable member includes a protrusion protruding from the casing when the movable member is at the second position. When the protrusion is pushed down to the casing side, the movable member moves from the second position to the first position to release the latching of the terminal.