Zigzag Lead Wire Terminal Block for Mark Tube Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

In lead wire terminal blocks of electric device connection sockets with multi-pole contact points, it is difficult to easily check the display of symbols or characters on mark tubes attached to the ends of lead wires due to their close spacing when a large number of lead wires are connected.

Innovation Solution

The lead wire terminal block features lead wire insertion holes and tool insertion holes arranged in a zigzag pattern on two parallel reference lines, allowing for easier identification and connection of mark tubes on lead wires, even when numerous wires are connected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a large number of lead wires are connected in closely spaced arrangement, then the connection density is improved, but the ease of checking mark tube displays deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection densityVSAvoidease of checking mark tube displays
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensional arrangement by configuring lead wire insertion holes and tool insertion holes in a zigzag pattern across multiple levels/stages on the terminal surface. This spatial distribution in multiple dimensions increases the effective checking area while maintaining high connection density, allowing mark tube displays to be easily viewed without requiring excessive horizontal spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If lead wire insertion holes and tool insertion holes are arranged in straight lines, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ease of identifying and connecting mark tubes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidease of identifying and connecting mark tubes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a zigzag arrangement pattern for lead wire insertion holes and tool insertion holes, replacing straight linear arrangements with a curved/angled configuration. This zigzag pattern improves mark tube identification by distributing holes across different spatial positions while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized hole positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Area of stationary object

If numerous lead wires are connected with close spacing, then the device compactness is improved, but the measurement and detection of mark tube displays becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoiddifficulty of checking mark tube displays
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the terminal surface into multiple levels or stages, with each level containing a subset of lead wire insertion holes and corresponding tool insertion holes arranged in zigzag patterns. This segmentation allows mark tube displays to be checked more easily by dividing the dense connection area into manageable sections, reducing the difficulty of detection while maintaining overall device compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3439113B1Lead wire terminal block and electric device connection socket including the same
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 FUJI ELECTRIC FA COMPONENTS & SYST CO LTD
  • EP3439113B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3439113B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3439113B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lead wire terminal block includes: a plurality of lead wire insertion holes L1 to L12 formed in terminal surfaces (8A to 8C) of a case (2); and a plurality of lead wire connection portions (H1 to H12) that is provided in the case and electrically connects cores (35, 36) of lead wires inserted into the lead wire insertion holes to contact points . The plurality of lead wire insertion holes is arranged in zigzag.