Bistable Terminal Clamp with Torque-Free Open Position
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection terminals require continuous external force to maintain the open position, making it difficult to operate with one hand and resulting in unnecessary torque on the actuating element.
Innovation Solution
The connection terminal is designed to be bistable, with a torque-free open position achieved by orienting the lever arm such that the tensile force of the clamping spring acts in the direction of the lever arm, allowing the actuating element to remain in the open position automatically, and a pivoting range that minimizes torque, enabling one-handed operation without external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuating element is designed to hold the clamping point in the open position, then the terminal can be operated, but continuous external force is required making one-handed operation impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is designed with a pivoting mechanism that moves between two stable positions (open and clamping). The periodic nature of the pivoting motion allows the terminal to be operated by simple back-and-forth movement without requiring continuous force application. The bistable design ensures that once positioned, the actuating element remains stable without external force.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element incorporates a lever arm with specific orientation that automatically maintains the open position through its geometric configuration. The lever arm orientation creates a self-balancing effect where the mechanical structure itself provides the holding force, eliminating the need for continuous external force application by the operator.
2Reliability
If the actuating element is designed to maintain open position with external force, then the terminal functions, but torque continuously acts on the actuating element
Solution Approach 1:
The design creates two distinct stable states (open and clamping positions) where the actuating element naturally rests. In each stable position, the forces are balanced and no continuous torque is required to maintain the state. Torque is only applied transiently during the transition between states, not continuously as in conventional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm orientation parameter is specifically designed to change the mechanical advantage and force distribution. By optimizing the lever arm orientation in the open position, the design minimizes the torque required to maintain that position while ensuring reliable clamping when closed, thus changing the force parameters dynamically based on the operational state.
3Ease of operation
If the clamping spring exerts tensile force on the actuating element, then the clamping point can be opened, but force is continuously required to maintain open position
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm is designed with a specific orientation relative to the clamping spring's tensile force direction. This geometric configuration creates a self-balancing mechanism where the moment arm of the tensile force naturally counteracts the spring force, allowing the actuating element to maintain the open position through its own mechanical configuration rather than requiring external holding force.
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
Enables simple and convenient operation of inserting and clamping electrical conductors with minimal external force, reducing torque on the actuating element and ensuring reliable clamping without external forces acting on the insulating housing.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping spring (17) arranged in the insulating housing (10) so that it can be moved between an open position and a clamping position by means of the actuating element (13), in that a free leg (18) of the clamping spring (17) is articulated via a connecting element (19) on the actuating element (13), so that by means of a pivoting movement of the actuating element (13) in a first direction the clamping spring (17) under the action of a tensile force via the connecting element (19) is moved into the open position
Implementation Method 2
an actuating element (13) which is designed to operate the conductor clamping device (12) and is mounted in the insulating housing (10) such that it can pivot about an axis, the actuating element (13) comprising an articulation element (20) which is spaced radially from its axis center (21) and is designed for articulating the connecting element (19)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a terminal clamp for connecting an electrical conductor, comprising an insulating material housing (10) with at least one conductor clamping device (12) designed such that it can be operated by means of an actuating element (13), which is mounted pivotably about an axis in the insulating material housing (10), wherein the conductor clamping device (12) comprises a clamping point (15) for the electrical conductor formed by a contact element (16) arranged fixedly in the insulating housing (10) and a clamping spring (17) arranged movably by means of the actuating element (13) between an open position and a clamping position in the insulating material housing (10), in that a free leg (18) of the clamping spring (17) is articulated on the actuating element (13) by way of a connecting element (19) such that the clamping spring (17) is moved into the open position by means of a pivoting movement of the actuating element (13) in a first direction, by being subjected to a pulling force exerted by way of the connecting element (19), and is moved into the clamping position by means of a pivoting movement opposite to the first direction, wherein the actuating element (13) comprises an articulating element (20), which is radially at a distance from the axial centre (21) of said actuating element and designed for the articulation of the connecting element (19), and is distinguished by the fact that the articulating element (20) is arranged on the actuating element (13) in such a way that, in the open position, the lever arm formed by the articulating element (20) and the axial centre (21) is aligned at least substantially parallel to the direction of the pulling force acting on the free leg (18) of the clamping spring (17) by means of the connecting element (19).