Cam-Guided Electrical Terminal Actuating Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection terminals have complex and costly production due to numerous movable parts, making them difficult to manufacture and use, while also lacking a reliable clamping mechanism for electrical conductors.
Innovation Solution
A connection terminal design featuring a cam-guided actuating arm with a minimalist kinematic system, where the cam is integrated into the receiving element, allowing the terminal to automatically lock in the clamped position without external force, reducing the number of parts and manufacturing effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional terminal blocks use multiple movable parts to achieve reliable clamping, then the clamping reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control cam is integrated directly into the receiving element as an integral component, merging two previously separate parts (control cam and receiving element) into one. This reduces the total number of movable parts while maintaining the self-locking clamping function through the cam's profile geometry that guides the actuating arm's second leg.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving element serves multiple functions: it provides the structural support for the clamping mechanism, incorporates the control cam profile for guiding the actuating arm, and forms part of the terminal block housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated control cam components.
2Reliability
If traditional terminal blocks use complex kinematic systems to ensure automatic locking, then the automatic locking reliability is improved, but the manufacturing effort and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control cam profile is formed as an integral part of the receiving element through stamping or molding processes, eliminating the need for separate control cam components and reducing assembly steps. The cam profile geometry itself provides the automatic locking mechanism through its continuous contour from open to clamped position sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal block's own receiving element provides the control cam function, using its integrated profile to guide and lock the actuating arm without requiring external control components. The system locks itself automatically through the mechanical interaction between the integrated cam profile and the actuating arm's second leg.
3Device complexity
If the control cam is formed as an integral part of the receiving element, then the number of parts and manufacturing complexity are reduced, but the functional integration requires higher precision in the receiving element design
Solution Approach 1:
The control cam profile is designed with specific geometric parameters (continuous contour with open position section, raised section, and clamping position section) that can be precisely controlled during stamping or molding. The monotonically decreasing transition area between raised and clamping sections provides a controlled force profile that facilitates reliable actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving element is pre-formed with the integrated control cam profile during the stamping or molding process, before assembly. This preliminary formation of the cam profile ensures precise geometric control is built into the component itself, eliminating the need for subsequent cam installation and alignment operations.
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
The solution achieves a reliable clamping effect with reduced production complexity and cost, ensuring easy operation and secure electrical connections, as the terminal automatically remains in the clamped position, minimizing the need for external force to switch between open and clamped states.
Implementation Method 1
a second free leg of the actuating arm is movably guided via at least one control cam
Implementation Method 2
The control cam or guide cam and the second leg form a self-locking mechanical system in the clamping position
Implementation Method 3
the clamping element forms a clamping point for the electrical conductor with a contact element
Implementation Method 4
providing a reliable clamping connection with an electrical conductor inserted into the terminal block
Implementation Method 5
an actuating arm designed to receive an actuating tool, wherein a first free leg of the actuating arm is pivotably arranged on the clamping element at a distance from its axis
Implementation Method 6
so that the clamping element can be moved from the open position to the clamped position and vice versa by pivoting the actuating arm using the actuating tool
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a terminal for connecting at least one electrical conductor, comprising a clamping element (12), which is arranged on a holding element (16) so as to be pivotable about an axis (15) between an open position and a clamping position and which, together with a contact element (13), forms a clamping point (10) for the electrical conductor (11), and comprising an actuating arm (17) designed for holding an actuating tool (18), wherein a first free leg (20) of the actuating arm (17) is pivotably arranged on the clamping element (12) at a distance from the axis (15) of the clamping element such that the clamping element (12) can be transferred from the open position into the clamping position and vice versa by pivoting of the actuating arm (17) by means of the actuating tool (18). The invention is characterized in that a second free leg (22) of the actuating arm (17) is movably guided by means of at least one control curve (23). The invention further relates to a method for connecting at least one electrical conductor (11).