Conductor Terminal Actuation With Captive Sliding Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conductor connection terminals lack a secure and efficient mechanism for actuating the clamping point, often requiring external tools and complicating assembly and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A conductor connection terminal design featuring a captive actuating element with a projection that fits into an opening, allowing for a sliding or tilting motion to open and close the clamping point, guided by a spring element and a two-part insulating housing for secure assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual actuating element is integrated into the conductor terminal, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is integrated directly into the insulating housing, merging the actuation mechanism with the housing structure. The projection of the insulating housing is received in the opening of the actuating element, creating a unified component that reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is displaceably mounted in the insulating housing, with the projection of the housing nested within the opening of the actuating element. This nested arrangement allows the actuating element to move independently while being contained within the housing structure, providing manual actuation capability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the actuating element is displaceably mounted in the insulating housing, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential loss of the actuating element
Solution Approach 1:
The projection of the insulating housing is received in the opening of the actuating element, creating a nested relationship where the actuating element is captured by the housing structure. This prevents the actuating element from being accidentally removed while still allowing it to be displaceably mounted for manual actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is pre-mounted in the insulating housing during assembly, with the projection already positioned to receive the housing projection. This preliminary mounting action ensures the actuating element is securely in place before the terminal is put into service, preventing accidental loss while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the opening of the actuating element is designed to be sufficiently large, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The opening of the actuating element is segmented into sides that are spaced apart, creating an intermediate space. This segmentation allows the opening to be sufficiently large for ease of operation while maintaining precise manufacturing through the defined geometric relationships between the spaced-apart sides and the projection they receive.
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 easy and secure actuation of the clamping point without external tools, enhances assembly simplicity, and ensures the actuating element remains captive, improving user accessibility and terminal functionality.
Implementation Method 1
guided by a spring element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a conductor connection terminal (1) having: an insulating housing (2), wherein the insulating housing (2) comprises a conductor introduction opening (3) for introducing an electrical conductor in a conductor introduction direction (L); a busbar (4); and a clamping spring (5), wherein the clamping spring (5) comprises a clamping limb (5c) which, with the busbar (4), forms a clamping point (6) for the electrical conductor; and an actuating element (7), wherein the actuating element (7) is displaceably mounted in the insulating housing (2) and is designed for opening and/or closing the clamping point (6) and wherein the actuating element (7) comprises an opening (8) for receiving a projection (9) of the insulating housing (2).