Direct-Plug-In Clamping Connection With Angled Tool Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices face challenges in accommodating increasingly cramped space conditions and miniaturization of electrical components, as they require more compact designs while maintaining effective actuation mechanisms for releasing electrical conductors.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a direct-plug-in clamping connection featuring a clamping spring and actuation mechanism that can be moved from a base position to an actuation position, with actuation regions arranged at an angle greater than 0°, allowing for a more compact configuration and controlled actuation, and incorporating a guide and mating guide for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the actuation mechanism is designed with a fixed rotational axis, then the structure is simple, but the device size is larger and cannot accommodate cramped space conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the actuation mechanism from a fixed rotational axis system to a moving rotational point system. The guide element constrains the actuation mechanism to follow a specific path, causing the rotational point to move dynamically during actuation. This dynamic approach enables a more compact device configuration while maintaining the necessary actuation functionality for releasing electrical conductors in cramped spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide element serves as an intermediary component between the actuation mechanism and the housing. It mediates the motion of the actuation mechanism by constraining it to a specific path, thereby enabling the moving rotational point behavior without requiring complex internal mechanisms. The guide translates the actuation force into the desired motion pattern, resolving the contradiction between compact size and functional complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the actuation regions are arranged at a larger angle range, then accessibility for actuation tools is improved, but the device configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by arranging actuation regions at angles greater than 0° relative to each other, utilizing angular dimensionality to improve tool accessibility. The moving rotational point mechanism allows the actuation force to be applied from multiple angular directions while maintaining a compact configuration. This dimensional approach enables operators to access the actuation mechanism from different angles without increasing overall device complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the connection device is made more compact, then it satisfies cramped space conditions, but the actuation mechanism becomes harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the actuation mechanism into distinct functional elements: the actuation mechanism itself, the guide element, and the clamping spring. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together in a compact arrangement. The guide element segments the motion path, enabling the actuation mechanism to move through a controlled trajectory that maintains operational ease despite the compact overall device size.
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 enables a more compact and efficient connection device design that can be constructed smaller, with improved accessibility for actuation tools and enhanced stability, facilitating easier installation and secure conductor release.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping spring (21), which acts as a compression spring when connecting a conductor
Implementation Method 2
a clamping spring (21), which acts as a compression spring when connecting a conductor
Implementation Method 3
an actuation mechanism (4) which can be moved from a base position to an actuation position, wherein this actuation mechanism, in the actuation position, moves the clamping spring, releasing the electrical conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device comprises at least one direct-plug-in clamping connection which has a direct-plug-in design for plugging in an electric conductor and which has a clamping spring, busbar and/or a clamping cage. The clamping spring is designed to clamp an electric conductor plugged into the direct-plug-in clamping connection to contact the busbar and/or the clamping cage in an electrically conductive manner. The direct-plug-in clamping connection additionally has an actuation mechanism which can be moved from a base position to an actuation position and back. In the actuation position, the actuation mechanism moves the clamping spring so as to release the electric conductor, wherein the actuation mechanism has at least two actuation regions which are provided for an actuation tool and which are arranged at an angle greater than 0 ° relative to each other. When the actuation mechanism is moved from the base position to the actuation position and returned back to the base position from the actuation position, it is moved about an imaginary rotational point which changes the position. A series connection assembly comprises at least two such connection devices designed in the form of series connection devices. A method is provided for installing such a connection device.