Test Plug Block With Two-Stage Latching for Defined Contact Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test plug blocks for terminal blocks often result in unstable or undefined electronic states due to improper contact area separation during insertion and removal, leading to potential current transfer issues when pulled out quickly or unevenly, and handling can be cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The test plug block features two latching positions with locking hooks and an unlocking element that allows controlled locking and unlocking, enabling secure insertion and easy removal with one hand, and a limiting element prevents unintentional tilting and displacement, ensuring defined contact states and easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the test plug block is pulled out quickly or unevenly, then the contact area separation becomes improper, but this leads to unstable or undefined electronic states and potential current transfer issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a two-stage latching mechanism where the first latching position must be released before the second latching position can be released. This preliminary action sequence ensures that contact areas are separated in a controlled manner, preventing improper separation that would occur with quick or uneven removal. The interlocked latching positions guarantee that one contact area is fully separated before the other begins to separate.
2Ease of operation
If two fastening parts are connected via a handle for easy one-hand operation, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate fastening parts into a single integrated unit by connecting them via a common handle. This merging allows both latching positions to be controlled simultaneously with one hand, improving ease of operation. The handle serves as a unified control element that actuates both fastening parts together, reducing the operational complexity despite adding a connecting component.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves multiple functions: it connects the two fastening parts, provides a grip for one-hand operation, and acts as a lever to simultaneously actuate both latching positions. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation while minimizing the addition of separate components, as the handle performs several critical roles in the fastening mechanism.
3Reliability
If limiting elements are added to prevent unintentional tilting and displacement, then reliability of contact state improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces limiting elements at specific critical locations within the fastening parts where tilting and displacement could compromise contact state reliability. Rather than adding comprehensive constraints throughout the entire structure, the limiting elements are strategically placed only where needed to prevent unwanted movements, maintaining reliability while minimizing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a test plug block for plugging onto a series terminal block (2), comprising a plurality of interconnected test plugs (3) and two securing parts (4) which are arranged on both sides of the plurality of test plugs (3) and which are connected to each other via a handle (5). Each securing part (4) has a housing (8) with a plug-in portion (9) which can be plugged into a receiving portion (10) that can be plugged into the clamping housing (11) of a securing clamp (7) of the series terminal block (2). In the test plug block (1), the handling, in particular the plugging of the test plug block (1) onto the series terminal block (2), is simplified in that each plug-in portion (9) of the securing parts (4) has two latching elements (12, 13) which together with corresponding counter latching elements (14) of the securing clamps (7) determine a first latched position and a second latched position of the securing parts (4) in the securing clamp (7), wherein the two latched positions are arranged one behind the other in the plug-on direction of the test plug block (1). An unlocking element (15) is movably arranged in the housing (5) of each securing part (4), said unlocking element being movable from a base position into a first unlocking position and into a second unlocking position by rotating the handle (8). The first latched position is unlocked in the first unlocking position, and the second latched position is unlocked in the second unlocking position by the unlocking element (15). At least one securing part (4) has at least one limiting element which limits the possible rotation of the handle (5) relative to the housing (8).