Branch Connector With IDC Spring Clamp for Flexible T-Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Branch connectors in electrical installation technology are limited in their application scope due to their structural simplicity and space constraints, which restricts the connection options to only rigid branch conductors, making it difficult to connect flexible branch lines without increasing installation space.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a spring terminal contact with an insulation displacement contact in a compact design, allowing for both insulation displacement and spring clamp connections using a common contact piece, enabling flexible branch lines to be connected without requiring a specialized connection, and allowing for a T-shaped connection configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a simple robust plug-in terminal is used for rigid branch conductors, then the device structure remains simple and installation space is minimized, but the adaptability to connect flexible branch conductors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both an insulation displacement contact (IDC) for penetrating conductor insulation and a spring clamp contact for clamping the conductor. This multi-functional design allows the same contact element to connect both rigid and flexible branch conductors, expanding adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the insulation displacement contact and spring clamp contact into a single integrated contact element. The contact element features both a cutting edge for insulation penetration and a spring-loaded clamping mechanism, merging two previously separate functions into one component to maintain compactness while improving versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If a specialized terminal is designed for flexible branch conductors, then the adaptability to connect different conductor types is improved, but the installation space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation displacement contact and spring clamp contact are merged into a single contact element, eliminating the need for separate terminals for different conductor types. This integration maintains a compact branch connector structure while enabling connection of both rigid and flexible conductors through the same component
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element is designed as a universal connector that can handle both rigid and flexible branch conductors through its dual functionality as an IDC and spring clamp contact, eliminating the need for specialized terminals and thereby reducing the overall installation space required
3Device complexity
If the contact element integrates both insulation displacement and spring clamp functions, then the device complexity is reduced and installation space is minimized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element features locally optimized geometries: a cutting edge at one end for insulation penetration and a spring-loaded clamping section at another end for conductor securing. Each local region is designed with specific quality characteristics suited to its function, allowing the overall structure to remain relatively simple while achieving high manufacturing precision only where critically needed
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 solution expands the application scope of branch connectors by allowing flexible branch lines to be connected without additional space, providing a stable and compact connection that can handle different conductor diameters with reduced actuation forces and improved holding force over time.
Implementation Method 1
a cutting edge of the contact penetrates the insulating sheath of the conductor
Implementation Method 2
a spring clamp contact for electrically connecting the branch conductor
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~10
AI summary
The present invention discloses a branch connector (1) for establishing an electrical connection between a through conductor (3) and a branch conductor, comprising a main housing (4) for receiving the through conductor (3) and a branch housing (5) arranged on the main housing (4) for receiving the branch conductor, wherein the branch housing (5) has a pivotable swivel housing part (6) and a contact piece (7) with an insulation displacement contact (8) for electrically contacting the through conductor (3) is arranged in the pivotable swivel housing part (6). The contact piece (7) has a spring clamp contact (9) for electrically contacting the branch conductor.