Two-Row Terminal Block Layout for Ferruled Conductor Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection units and terminal blocks face challenges in achieving compact dimensions while accommodating electrical conductors with ferrules, as the minimum spacing between connection elements is determined by the conductor connection openings, leading to inefficiencies in using conductors with insulation and ferrules.
Innovation Solution
A connection unit design with actuating elements and conductor connection openings arranged in two spaced-apart rows, allowing for increased distances between adjacent connection elements, enabling efficient use of conductor connection openings even with ferrules, and permitting narrow connection elements for a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If connection elements are arranged directly next to each other with minimum spacing, then the connection unit achieves compact dimensions, but the conductor connection openings cannot accommodate electrical conductors with ferrules simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a two-row arrangement where actuating elements of one connection element are positioned in a first row and conductor connection openings in a second row, creating spatial separation in the vertical dimension. This dimensional reorganization allows adjacent connection elements to be placed closer together horizontally while maintaining sufficient clearance for ferruled conductors, thus achieving compact overall dimensions without sacrificing compatibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pitch between connection elements is increased to accommodate ferrules, then electrical conductors with ferrules can be used, but the connection unit dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing horizontal pitch between connection elements, the invention redistributes components vertically into two rows. The actuating elements and conductor connection openings are offset in the vertical direction, allowing the horizontal pitch to remain small while still providing adequate clearance for ferrules. This vertical stratification resolves the contradiction between compactness and ferrule compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an asymmetric arrangement where connection elements in adjacent positions have different vertical offsets for their actuating elements and conductor connection openings. This asymmetric two-row configuration optimizes space utilization by preventing interference between adjacent connection elements while maintaining ferrule clearance, achieving compact dimensions without sacrificing adaptability
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a connection unit (20) having a plurality of connection elements (21, 32) which are arranged next to one another, wherein each connection element (21, 32) has a conductor connection opening (24) for receiving an electrical conductor (26), and an operating element (25, 33) for clamping and/or releasing the electrical conductor (26) in the conductor connection opening (24), the operating elements (25, 33) and the conductor connection openings (24) are arranged on a common side (30) of the connection unit (20), the operating elements (25, 33) and the conductor connection openings (24) of the connection elements (21, 32) are arranged in two rows (29a, 29b) which are spaced apart from one another, and the connection unit (20) has at least one first connection element (21a, 32a), the operating element (25, 33) of which is arranged in a first row (29a) and the conductor connection opening (24) of which is arranged in a second row (29b), and at least one second connection element (21b, 32b), the operating element (25, 33) of which is arranged in the second row (29a) and the conductor connection opening (24) of which is arranged in the first row (29b). The present invention also relates to a connection block having a housing (22) and a plurality of connection elements (21, 32) which are accommodated in the housing (22).