Clamping Spring Locking Leg for Tool-Free Conductor Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection assemblies require manual actuation of a clamping spring to pivot the clamping leg away from a current bar for inserting flexible conductors, complicating the connection process.
Innovation Solution
A clamping spring with a retaining leg, clamping leg, and locking leg, where the locking leg is retained on an actuating element in a retaining position, allowing automatic bracing in the open position, and can be released by the conductor's pressure, enabling tool-free connection of flexible conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual actuation is used to pivot the clamping spring away from the current bar, then the clamping spring can be opened to insert flexible conductors, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming requiring user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The locking leg is designed to be automatically actuated by the conductor itself during insertion. The conductor's insertion movement directly triggers the locking leg to pivot from its blocking position to its released position, eliminating the need for separate manual actuation. This self-service mechanism simplifies the operation to a single insertion motion while maintaining the necessary clamping spring opening function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking leg is pre-positioned in a blocking state that prevents the clamping spring from closing automatically. The conductor's insertion movement serves as the preliminary action that triggers the locking leg to release, allowing the clamping spring to then close and secure the conductor. This preliminary positioning of the locking leg enables the system to respond automatically to conductor insertion without requiring additional user actions.
2Extent of automation
If a locking mechanism is added to retain the locking leg on the actuating element, then automatic retention is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking leg's retention and release are both achieved through the same insertion motion of the conductor. The conductor first triggers the locking leg to release from its retained position, allowing the clamping spring to open. Then, as insertion continues, the conductor's movement or position causes the locking leg to return to its retained position, securing the connection. This dual-function self-service mechanism achieves automatic retention and release without requiring separate actuating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking leg combines multiple functions into a single component: it blocks the clamping spring's closing motion, is automatically actuated by the conductor, and provides retention of the connection. By merging these functions into one element that responds to the conductor's insertion, the design achieves automation without proportionally increasing structural complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the locking leg is retained on the actuating element, then the clamping spring remains closed, but the conductor cannot be inserted without manual actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking leg is pre-positioned in a blocking state that counteracts the clamping spring's natural closing tendency. This preliminary anti-action prevents automatic closure and maintains the clamping spring in an open or partially open state, ready to receive the conductor. The blocking position is stable until the conductor's insertion movement actively triggers the locking leg to release, at which point the clamping spring is free to close and secure the conductor.
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
Facilitates simple and time-saving connection of conductors with small cross-sections by allowing automatic holding of the actuating element in the open position, eliminating the need for manual actuation during insertion.
Implementation Method 1
a locking leg (112) movable into a retaining position and into a releasing position
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping spring for clamping a conductor to be connected against a current bar includes: a retaining leg; a clamping leg movable into an open position and into a clamping position; and a locking leg movable into a retaining position and into a releasing position. In the retaining position, the locking leg is retained on an actuating element, and, in the releasing position, the locking leg is released from the actuating element. The locking leg has a pressing surface, by which the locking leg is movable from the retaining position into the releasing position by the conductor. The pressing surface has a portion which is curved in a direction of the clamping leg and on which comprises a first conductor contact surface.