Conductor Connecting Structure with Segmented Screw Retaining Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conductor connecting structures lack the ability to adjust the position of conductors in a direction perpendicular to the fastening direction after co-fastening, which limits their ability to absorb tolerances and ensure proper alignment with mating terminals.
Innovation Solution
A conductor connecting structure that includes a recessed portion with specific wall configurations to retain and guide screw members, allowing for relative movement between busbars and the housing, enabling positional adjustment in a direction orthogonal to the fastening direction through the use of nuts and bolts, which co-fasten the terminal portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the recessed portion has a uniform width, then the structure is simple, but the screw member cannot be retained before fastening and cannot allow positional adjustment after fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portion is segmented into two distinct zones: a retaining portion with a first width for holding the screw member before fastening, and an allowable portion with a second width for permitting positional adjustment after fastening. This segmentation enables the structure to provide both retention and adjustment functions without requiring entirely separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the recessed portion are given different local properties: the retaining portion has a narrower width to constrain the screw member, while the allowable portion has a wider width to permit movement. This local differentiation allows the same recessed portion to serve multiple functions at different locations.
2Ease of operation
If the screw member is freely movable, then positional adjustment is easy, but the screw member cannot be retained in position before fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portion transitions from a static retention state to a dynamic adjustment state. Before fastening, the retaining portion dynamically constrains the screw member to prevent displacement. After fastening, the allowable portion allows dynamic positional adjustment. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between retention and ease of adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining portion performs preliminary retention of the screw member before the fastening operation begins. This preliminary action ensures the screw member is properly positioned and retained during assembly, after which the allowable portion permits subsequent adjustment if needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between wall surfaces is increased, then positional adjustment range is enlarged, but the screw member cannot be retained before fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portion width is segmented into two distinct values: a first width in the retaining portion for precise screw member positioning, and a second width in the allowable portion for extended adjustment range. This segmentation allows both precision retention and generous adjustment range to coexist within the same structural feature.
Solution Approach 2:
Different local widths are provided at different locations of the recessed portion. The retaining portion maintains a narrower width for precise positioning, while the allowable portion expands to a wider width for larger adjustment range. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between positioning precision and adjustment range.
Data Source
AI summary
A conductor connecting structure includes: first and second conductors having terminal portions; a support having recessed portions; first screw members accommodated in the recessed portions; and second screw members that co-fasten the terminal portions of the first and the second conductors by screwing to the first screw members. The recessed portions have first and second wall surfaces that face each other in an opposing direction, and restricting surfaces along the opposing direction to restrict the rotation of the first screw members. The first and second wall surfaces configure a retaining portion to retain the first screw member before being screwed, and an allowable portion located closer to the inlet of the recessed portion. The distance between the first and the second wall surfaces in the allowable portion is greater than the distance in the retaining portion.