Automatic Electrical Connection Terminal with Nested Disconnection Lever

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic electrical connection terminals occupy a relatively large volume of space due to the arrangement of disconnection levers and conduits, limiting their compactness and ease of accommodation.

Innovation Solution

The design features a metallic body with a symmetrical shape and staggered disconnection levers, where the engagement duct passes through the disconnection lever, reducing the terminal's height and overall thickness, and includes an insulating base with guided ducts to ensure safety and prevent accidental electrical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the disconnection lever and conduit are arranged in conventional configuration, then the terminal provides adequate functionality, but the terminal occupies a relatively large volume of space in height

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight of connection terminalVSAvoidarrangement complexity of disconnection lever and conduit
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement duct is positioned to pass through the disconnection lever, nesting one component within another. This spatial arrangement allows the duct to utilize the internal space of the lever, eliminating the need for separate external routing and significantly reducing the overall height of the terminal while maintaining both functional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a conventional linear or external arrangement of the duct and lever to a three-dimensional configuration where the duct passes through the lever's body. This dimensional reorganization optimizes space utilization and reduces the height dimension without compromising the operational independence of either component.

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

2Volume of moving object

If the engagement duct passes through the disconnection lever, then the height of the terminal is reduced, but the electrical conductor may impede accessibility to the support part

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight of connection terminalVSAvoidaccessibility to support part of disconnection lever
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement duct is deliberately positioned asymmetrically within the disconnection lever, offset from the support part location. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the duct and support part occupy different spatial zones, allowing the conductor passing through the duct to remain clear of the support part and not interfere with user access or operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The internal structure of the disconnection lever is designed with differentiated zones: one region accommodates the engagement duct for conductor passage, while another region provides the support part for user interaction. This local differentiation of functional zones within the lever ensures that the conductor path does not compromise the accessibility or operability of the support part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the first and second disconnection levers are arranged in the extension of one another, then the terminal provides adequate functionality, but the overall length and thickness of the terminal increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional completeness of terminalVSAvoidlength and thickness of terminal
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of arranging the first and second disconnection levers in a linear extension along one dimension, the invention positions them in staggered rows with offset orientations. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows both levers to function independently while occupying overlapping or adjacent spatial zones, significantly reducing the overall length and thickness requirements of the terminal.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The staggered arrangement of the two disconnection levers allows them to be positioned in a nested or overlapping configuration rather than requiring sequential linear space. This spatial optimization enables both levers to coexist within a more compact footprint, reducing the terminal's overall dimensions while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration significantly reduces the height and thickness of the connection terminal, enhances safety by preventing accidental electrical contact, and allows for efficient connection and disconnection of electrical conductors while maintaining compactness.

Implementation Method 1

elastic pressure means adapted to press an electrical conductor against said metallic body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1928058B9Automatic electrical connection terminal
Publication Date: 2012.11.14 LEGRAND FRANCE SA
  • EP1928058B9 patent drawingFigure 1~3B
  • EP1928058B9 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP1928058B9 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The terminal e.g. single electrical terminal (10), has an elastic pressure unit i.e. U-shape prestressed metallic spring blade, pressurizing electrical conductors (1, 4) against a metallic body (20) i.e. embossed plate, that is in form of a staircase. Engaging pipes (14, 19) engage the conductors between the body and the unit. An elongated disconnecting lever (11) is supported on the unit by a body's spacer. The pipe traverses the lever, for opening against an opening of a transversal lower panel of the body and on an upper surface of the lever, where the lever is made of insulating material. An independent claim is also included for an electrical connector comprising a base made of insulating material.