Connection Clamp Lever Mechanism for One-Handed Conductor Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection assemblies for electrical conductors, particularly those with flexible conductors, require manual actuation to pivot the clamping spring away from the current bar for conductor insertion, complicating the connection process and necessitating user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly with a clamping spring and actuating element that forms a self-contained force system, where a rotatably-mounted lever element automatically holds the actuating element in the open position, allowing for one-handed operation and tool-free connection of conductors by leveraging the clamping spring's pressure forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual actuation is used to pivot the clamping spring away from the current bar for conductor insertion, then the connection assembly can accommodate flexible conductors, but the connection process becomes complicated and requires user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping spring is designed to automatically pivot away from the current bar when a conductor is inserted, eliminating the need for manual actuation. The spring's own elasticity provides the force needed to open the connection space, and the conductor itself acts as the actuating element by engaging with the spring's leverage arm to trigger the pivoting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping spring is pre-configured with a leverage arm and pivot axis that enable it to automatically respond to conductor insertion. The spring is initially held in a clamped position, but the geometric arrangement of the leverage arm relative to the pivot axis ensures that any insertion force from a conductor will automatically trigger the opening motion without requiring preliminary manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clamping spring is held manually in the open position, then flexible conductors can be inserted, but additional user intervention is required increasing operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly automatically maintains the clamping spring in the open position during conductor insertion and automatically returns it to the clamped position when the conductor is properly connected. This eliminates the need for users to manually hold or actuate the spring throughout the connection process, significantly reducing operational time.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping spring is pre-configured with a leverage arm and pivot axis that enable it to automatically respond to conductor insertion. The spring is initially held in a clamped position, but the geometric arrangement of the leverage arm relative to the pivot axis ensures that any insertion force from a conductor will automatically trigger the opening motion without requiring preliminary manual intervention.
3Strength
If rigid conductors are used, then they can apply sufficient force to pivot the clamping spring without actuating element, but flexible conductors require actuating element operation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is designed to accommodate both rigid and flexible conductors through the same mechanism. The leverage arm is positioned and dimensioned so that rigid conductors can directly engage it to trigger the opening motion, while flexible conductors can also engage the same leverage arm through the automatic pivoting action. This universal design eliminates the need for different connection methods based on conductor type.
4Ease of operation
If the actuating element is designed to press against the clamping leg, then the clamping spring can be opened, but manual holding is required until conductor insertion is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly automatically maintains the clamping spring in the open position during conductor insertion and automatically returns it to the clamped position when the conductor is properly connected. This eliminates the need for users to manually hold or actuate the spring throughout the connection process, significantly reducing operational time.
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
Simplifies the connection process for both rigid and flexible conductors by eliminating the need for manual actuation, enabling secure and efficient conductor connection without additional user intervention, thus improving handling and reducing operational time.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping spring having a holding leg and a clamping leg, the conductor to be connected being clampable against a clamping section of the current bar by the clamping leg
Implementation Method 2
a rotatably-mounted lever element configured to act upon the actuating element to actuate the actuating element
Data Source
AI summary
A connection assembly for connecting an electrical conductor includes: a current bar; a clamping spring having a holding leg and a clamping leg, the conductor to be connected being clampable against a clamping section of the current bar by the clamping leg, with the clamping spring in a clamping position; an actuating element linearly guidable along an actuation direction and by which the clamping spring is transferrable from the clamping position into an open position, the actuating element being braced, in the open position, with the clamping spring and holding the clamping spring in the open position, as a bracing; and a rotatably-mounted lever element for acting upon the actuating element to actuate the actuating element.