Busbar-Integrated Spring Retainer for Stable Conductor Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection terminal arrangements for electrical conductors require complex support structures for clamping springs, leading to increased assembly complexity and potential instability.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece clamping spring retaining element is formed directly on the busbar, protruding at a 90° angle, which allows for direct latching and secure positioning of the clamping spring, eliminating the need for external support structures and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clamping spring is supported against a housing or clamping cage, then the clamping spring can be positioned and held, but the device complexity increases due to additional support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clamping spring retaining element with the busbar by forming it integrally from the busbar material. This eliminates the need for separate housing or clamping cage support structures, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable positioning of the clamping spring through the integrated retaining element with locking lugs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the clamping spring retaining element from the busbar material through punching and shearing processes. This creates a dedicated retaining structure that is optimally shaped for holding the clamping spring, separating the retaining function from the general busbar structure while maintaining integral connection
2Ease of manufacture
If the clamping spring retaining element is formed integrally with the busbar, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the positioning precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the clamping spring retaining element during the preliminary busbar forming process. The retaining element is punched and sheared from the busbar material before final assembly, ensuring precise positioning is built into the structure during manufacturing rather than requiring post-processing adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the busbar material by punching out and shearing the retaining element at a 90° angle. This parameter change creates the three-dimensional locking lug structure necessary for precise clamping spring positioning while using standard metal forming processes
3Ease of operation
If the clamping spring retaining element protrudes at 90° from the busbar surface, then the clamping spring can be easily mounted, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the perpendicular (90°) dimension relative to the busbar surface to create the protruding retaining element. This dimensional orientation allows the clamping spring to be mounted easily from the side while keeping the protrusion distance minimal, as the locking lugs engage the clamping spring in a direction perpendicular to the busbar face
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 enhances the stability and ease of assembly of the clamping spring, enabling a more compact and reliable connection terminal arrangement capable of connecting multiple conductors without external support, thus improving the overall structural simplicity and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping spring is held in a snap-fit position on the clamping spring retaining element via the retaining leg
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a terminal arrangement (100) for connecting at least one electrical conductor, comprising: - a busbar (10), - at least one clamping spring (11), which has a retaining leg (12) for holding the clamping spring (11) and a clamping leg (13) for clamping the at least one conductor to be connected against the busbar (10) in a connected state, and - a clamping spring retaining element (14), on which the at least one clamping spring (11) is held in a snap-fit position via its retaining leg (12), - wherein the clamping spring retaining element (14) is formed integrally with the busbar (10).