Conductor Terminal Clamping Leg Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conductor terminals face issues with premature release of the clamping leg and inadequate secure clamping of electrical conductors, particularly fine-stranded conductors, leading to potential collisions with latching elements during insertion.
Innovation Solution
The first and second latching elements are positioned on the side of the clamping leg away from the clamping point, with a release section that can be pressed to release the latch, allowing the clamping leg to move to a closed position under spring force, ensuring secure clamping and preventing premature release, and an actuating element facilitates easy opening of the clamping point without additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latching elements are positioned on the clamping leg facing the clamping point, then the clamping action is more direct, but premature release of the latching occurs and fine-stranded conductors collide with latching elements during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The latching elements are repositioned from the front surface of the clamping leg to the rear surface, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to resolve the conflict between reliable latching and smooth conductor insertion. This spatial relocation allows the latching mechanism to function effectively without interfering with conductor insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping leg is functionally segmented into distinct zones: the front surface for smooth conductor insertion and the rear surface for latching element placement. This segmentation allows each surface to perform its specific function without interference from the other mechanism.
2Extent of automation
If the clamping leg is held in open position by a retaining element, then automatic connection is enabled, but premature release of the clamping leg from open position occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining element is introduced as an intermediary component between the clamping leg and the latching elements. This mediator holds the clamping leg in the open position and controls the timing of release, preventing premature release while enabling automatic connection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element pre-positions the clamping leg in the open state before conductor insertion, and the latching elements are pre-positioned on the rear surface to engage at the appropriate moment, ensuring proper sequencing of operations.
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
This design enhances the operability and reliability of the conductor terminal by preventing premature release and ensuring secure clamping of electrical conductors, allowing for collision-free guidance and automatic closure of the clamping point during conductor insertion.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping spring (4), wherein the clamping spring has a clamping leg (43)
Implementation Method 2
a first latching element (63) which is arranged on the clamping leg (43) and a second latching element (73) which is arranged on the retaining element (7), wherein the first and second latching elements (63, 73) can be latched together in the open position of the clamping point
Data Source
AI summary
A conductor terminal with an insulating material housing, the insulating material housing having a conductor insertion opening for receiving an electrical conductor in a conductor insertion direction, with a conductor rail section, with a clamping spring, wherein the clamping spring has a clamping leg which, with the conductor rail section, forms a clamping point for the electrical conductor, with a retaining element for holding the clamping leg in an open position of the clamping point, wherein a first latching element is arranged on the clamping leg and a second latching element is arranged on the retaining element, wherein the first and second latching elements can be latched together in the open position of the clamping point, the retaining element and the clamping spring being designed as two components which are separate from one another.