Captive Screw Terminal with Synchronized Threads for Eyelet Tag Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for electrical apparatus require the screw to be completely unscrewed and separated before installation, leading to difficulties in reconnecting due to restricted space and the risk of losing the screw.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a captive screw featuring synchronized threads and a spring mechanism that allows automatic return of the screw body to the screw head during screwing, enabling the device to be shipped in an open position and ensuring reliable clamping of the eyelet tag without requiring manual force for screwing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the screw is completely unscrewed and separated from the product before installation, then the connection can be made in the open position, but the screw may be dropped and lost, and reconnection becomes difficult due to restricted space
Solution Approach 1:
The screw is nested within the terminal housing, with the head portion retained by the head nut and the body portion retained by the body nut. This nesting arrangement allows the screw to be stored securely within the terminal structure, enabling the terminal to be shipped in the open position while preventing the screw from being lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronized thread mechanism acts as an intermediary that automatically returns the screw body toward the screw head when the screw body contacts the body nut during screwing. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable retention of the screw without requiring additional complex retention structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the screw is completely unscrewed and separated before installation, then the connection can be made, but manual force is required for screwing and the operation becomes difficult in restricted space
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronized thread mechanism provides self-service by automatically returning the screw body toward the screw head when the screw body contacts the body nut during the screwing operation. This self-returning mechanism eliminates the need for manual force to position the screw correctly, making the reconnection operation easy even in restricted space.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal is pre-configured with the screw nested within it and the synchronized thread mechanism pre-installed. This preliminary arrangement allows the terminal to be shipped in the open position with all components in place, and the synchronization mechanism automatically performs the necessary positioning action during installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the screw is retained inside the terminal in the open position, then the device can be shipped in open position, but the screw must be reliably retained without requiring excessive force for screwing
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronized thread mechanism serves as an intermediary that automatically returns the screw body toward the screw head when contact is made during screwing. This intermediary action reduces the force required for screwing by eliminating the need to manually overcome the retention force of the head nut and body nut.
Solution Approach 2:
The body nut is designed to move in the direction of screwing when the screw body contacts it, before thread synchronization occurs. This dynamic movement allows the screw to engage smoothly without requiring excessive force, while the spring returns the body nut to its initial position after the movement.
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 device allows for easy and reliable connection of the conductor by maintaining the screw captive within the terminal, ensuring the device can be shipped in an open position and facilitating connection without the risk of losing the screw, while providing reliable clamping of the eyelet tag.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed between a wall of the casing and the body nut and adapted to return said nut into its initial position after the aforementioned movement of said nut in the direction of screwing in before synchronization of the threads
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connecting a conductor to a terminal, including a screw slidable inside the terminal of an apparatus, the screw having a first head portion to be actuated and screwed into a head nut and a second body portion to be screwed into a body nut mounted in a casing of the apparatus, the screw being mobile between an open position in which the screw is screwed only into the head nut so as to allow the introduction of a tag into the terminal between the screw body and a pad and a closed position in which the screw is screwed into both the body nut and the head nut so as to clamp the tag between this screw body and the pad. This device includes a device for synchronizing the threads respectively associated with the screw body and the screw head, this device ensuring automatic returning of the screw body towards the screw head when the screw body is brought into contact with the body nut during screwing until synchronization of the two threads.