Sheet-Metal Clamping Terminal for Tool-Free Conductor Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting terminals require a tool to release the conductor, which is inconvenient and may lead to damage if not handled properly.
Innovation Solution
A clamping body formed from a one-piece sheet metal stamping with V-shaped spring arms that allow tool-free release of the conductor by pivoting movement, ensuring secure hold during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tool is required to release the conductor from the terminal, then a secure hold is provided when the conductor is inserted, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for additional tools and potential damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping body is designed to release the conductor through a simple pivoting movement without requiring external tools. The spring arms automatically disengage when the conductor is pivoted, allowing the user to remove the conductor easily while maintaining secure holding during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping body transitions from a static secure hold to a dynamic release mechanism. The spring arms are designed to be flexible and responsive to pivoting motion, allowing the structure to adapt between maintaining firm contact during operation and enabling easy release when needed.
2Reliability
If the second part of the first spring arm is shorter than the second part of the second spring arm, then the clamping points are at different heights leading to better hold, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arms are designed with asymmetric lengths, where the second part of the first spring arm is shorter than the second part of the second spring arm. This asymmetry creates clamping points at different heights on the conductor, providing superior holding capability by distributing clamping forces more effectively along the conductor.
3Reliability
If the spring arms are arranged in a V-shape with different lengths, then the clamping effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping body integrates multiple functions into a single structure. The V-shaped spring arms with different lengths are combined into one piece, simultaneously providing clamping force, guidance, and release mechanisms. This merging reduces the need for separate components while maintaining enhanced clamping effectiveness.
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
Enables secure electrical contact and easy tool-free removal of the conductor, reducing the risk of damage and improving user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping body is preferably made of a resilient metal sheet with low electrical resistance. This sheet is cut or punched and bent to form a funnel-shaped structure
Implementation Method 2
sharp-edged ends of the free ends of the respective second sections of the spring arms dig into a surface of the conductor, thus preventing the conductor from falling out of the clamping body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping body (3) with an opening (5) for a plug-in part (6) which is formed from an integral sheet-metal punched part (4) by bending processes, wherein the sheet-metal punched part (4) has a central portion (10), on which a spring arm portion (13) is arranged on a first side (11) and a contact-pressure surface portion (14) on a second side (12), and, starting from the central portion (10), the spring arm portion (13) is divided into a first part (13a) and an adjoining second part (13b) with a free end (15), the first part (13a) is bent upwards virtually vertically and the adjoining second part (13b) is bent downwards again in such a manner that the free end (15) is opposite the contact-pressure surface portion (14), which is likewise bent upwards virtually vertically from the central portion (10), wherein the central portion (10) lies opposite the opening (5), wherein the downwardly bent second part (13b) in the opening (5) forms a guide surface (16) for the plug-in part (6) to be plugged in, the first part (13a) exerts a spring force (F1) in the direction of the contact-pressure surface portion (14), as a result of which a plug-in part (6) plugged in via the guide surface (16) is secured, and wherein the guide surface (16) additionally serves such that, by means of a pivoting movement (17) of the plug-in part (6), the plug-in part (6) rests parallel on the guide surface (16) and exerts a force (FG) directed counter to the spring force (F1), as a result of which the plug-in part (6) can be pulled out of the opening (5) without a tool.