Universal Field Device Terminal for Multi-Standard Conductor Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices require different conductor attachment types for various jurisdictions, leading to increased complexity, cost, and potential installation issues due to mismatched connections, which can prevent proper connection to process control loops.
Innovation Solution
A field device with a plurality of terminals that support multiple conductor attachment types, allowing for standardized connections that accommodate both spade lug and stripped-wire terminations, ensuring compatibility with various jurisdictions without the need for multiple designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different terminal designs are provided for different jurisdictions, then compatibility with various conductor attachment types is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single terminal structure that can accommodate multiple conductor attachment types (spade lugs, stripped wire, crimped connectors) through a unified clamp mechanism. The terminal includes a clamp that can securely hold different conductor configurations without requiring separate terminal designs for different jurisdictions, thus achieving multi-functionality while reducing device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different terminal designs are provided for different jurisdictions, then compatibility with various conductor attachment types is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal design uses a universal clamp structure that can accommodate multiple conductor attachment types, eliminating the need to manufacture and inventory multiple different terminal designs for different jurisdictions. This single design approach reduces manufacturing complexity, tooling costs, and inventory requirements while maintaining compatibility with various conductor types
3Device complexity
If a single terminal design is used for all jurisdictions, then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but compatibility with various conductor attachment types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal design incorporates local quality by allowing the clamp to adapt its gripping characteristics to different conductor types. The clamp structure can locally adjust to accommodate spade lugs, stripped wire, or crimped connectors through its mechanical design, maintaining a uniform terminal appearance while providing customized securing mechanisms for different conductor attachment types
Data Source
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AI summary
A field device (10) is provided. The field device (10) includes field device electronics (14, 16, 18, 20) configured to couple to a transducer (22). A plurality of terminals (24, 26, 30) is coupled to the field device electronics (14, 16, 18, 20) and is configured to couple the field device (10) to a process communication loop (28) to allow the field device (10) to communicate over the process communication loop (28). Each of the plurality of terminals (24, 26, 30) is configured to support multiple conductor attachment types.