Test Plug Block Latching for Controlled Contact Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test plug blocks for modular terminal blocks often result in unstable or undefined electronic states during insertion and removal, particularly when the sequence of contact region opening by longer and shorter contact plugs is not reliably ensured, leading to potential current disruptions.
Innovation Solution
The test plug block incorporates latching elements with two positions and an unlocking mechanism, allowing controlled locking and unlocking via a rotary handle motion, ensuring that shorter contact plugs do not open contact regions until longer plugs have been fully removed, and enabling easy handling and secure attachment to the modular terminal block.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If test plugs with different lengths are used in the test plug block, then the ability to test different circuit configurations is improved, but the reliability of contact region opening sequence deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a latching mechanism that is activated before the test plugs make contact with the contact regions. The latching elements engage with the mounting clips to secure the test plug block in position before electrical contact is established, ensuring that the sequence of contact region opening is controlled and reliable regardless of the different plug lengths
Solution Approach 2:
The latching elements act as an intermediary mechanism between the test plugs and the mounting clips. They mediate the connection process by providing a preliminary mechanical locking action that ensures proper sequencing, allowing test plugs of different lengths to be used without compromising the reliability of the contact region opening sequence
2Ease of manufacture
If a single fastening part design is used for all test plug block configurations, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to different numbers of modular terminals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening part is segmented into modular components: a standardized housing structure that can be mass-produced, and interchangeable latching elements that can be configured in different numbers and arrangements. This allows the basic housing to be manufactured efficiently while adapting the latching component configuration to match different numbers of modular terminals in the test plug block
Solution Approach 2:
The housing of the fastening part is designed with universal features that can accommodate different configurations of latching elements. The same housing structure serves multiple functions by supporting various numbers and types of latching elements, enabling a single fastening part design to adapt to different test plug block configurations without requiring completely different manufacturing processes
Data Source
AI summary
A test plug block for plugging onto a series terminal block has a plurality of interconnected test plugs and two securing parts which are arranged on both sides of the plurality of test plugs having a plug-in portion and which are connected to each other via a handle. Plugging of the test plug block onto the series terminal block is simplified in that each plug-in portion of the securing parts has two latching elements which, together with corresponding counter latching elements of the securing clamps determine a first latched position and a second latched position of the securing parts in the securing clamp, wherein the two latched positions are arranged one behind the other in the plug-on direction of the test plug block. An unlocking element is movably arranged in the housing of each securing part from a base position into first and second unlocking positions by rotating the handle.