Compact Electrical Terminal with Parallel Conductor Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connection terminals are bulky and cumbersome, making it difficult to easily insert and remove two conductors simultaneously, especially in the context of reducing device dimensions and improving connection efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A compact electrical connection terminal design featuring a current bar between two clamping legs, allowing parallel insertion and removal of conductors, with a single clamping spring and current bar arrangement, and an actuating button that opens both spring-loaded terminal connections simultaneously, reducing the terminal's overall dimensions and simplifying the connection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a compact terminal design with a single clamping spring and current bar is used, then the terminal dimensions are reduced, but it becomes difficult to insert and remove two conductors simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal dimensionsVSAvoidease of insertion and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The single clamping spring is divided into two independent clamping legs that can move independently. Each clamping leg can be actuated separately by its own actuating button, allowing one conductor to be inserted or removed while the other remains connected. This segmentation enables simultaneous operation on both conductors while maintaining a compact terminal structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping legs are designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing them to open and close independently through actuating buttons. This dynamic design enables the operator to selectively actuate one or both clamping legs, facilitating easy insertion and removal of conductors while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If separate current bars and clamping springs are used for each conductor, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of conductor connectionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Two separate clamping spring assemblies are merged into a single integrated clamping spring with two independent clamping legs. This unified structure shares common components such as the spring body and mounting features, reducing overall part count and assembly complexity while maintaining independent operation capability for each conductor connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single clamping spring serves multiple functions by providing two independent clamping legs, each capable of independently clamping a conductor. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate clamping spring assemblies, reducing structural complexity while maintaining ease of operation for both conductor connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional terminal designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but connection efficiency and speed are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidconnection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping legs are designed to be automatically actuated by the insertion or removal of conductors themselves. When a conductor is inserted, it automatically triggers the clamping leg to close and secure the connection. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate manual actuation steps, significantly improving connection efficiency while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The actuating buttons are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically open the clamping legs when pressed. This preliminary preparation of the actuation mechanism allows for rapid conductor insertion and removal without requiring complex manual manipulation, thereby improving connection speed and efficiency while keeping the manufacturing process simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 easy and simultaneous insertion and removal of two conductors with a compact terminal design, improving connection efficiency and reducing the risk of damage during operation, while maintaining the required clamping force and allowing for flexible conductor connections.

Implementation Method 1

a clamping leg (8, 9) forming a spring-loaded terminal connection with one side of the current bar (7) for an electrical conductor (6) to be connected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1816706B1Electrical connection terminal
Publication Date: 2009.01.21 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1816706B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1816706B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1816706B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The electrical terminal (1) has a conductor connection arrangement having a current bar and a clamping spring made and arranged so that the current bar is located between the two clamping legs (8,9) of the clamping spring and running parallel to the insertion direction of connected conductors (6) in a terminal chamber (3). Each side of the current bar forms a spring force clamping terminal with the clamping leg.