Connection Clamp Assembly With Self-Holding Open Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection assemblies require manual actuation of the clamping spring to pivot the clamping leg away from the current bar for inserting flexible conductors, complicating the connection process.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly with an actuating element that is braced with the clamping spring in the open position, forming a self-contained force system to hold the clamping spring in place, allowing for one-handed operation and automatic transition between open and clamped positions without manual assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clamping spring is designed to clamp flexible conductors, then the conductor connection is more secure, but the actuating element must be manually held in the open position, increasing operation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is designed to automatically hold itself in the open position through its own structural features (flank surfaces and projection) without requiring manual intervention. The element braced against the clamping spring's holding leg creates a self-sustaining open position mechanism, eliminating the need for users to continuously hold the actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element creates a balanced force system where the spring force of the clamping spring is counterbalanced by the geometric constraint of the actuating element's flank surfaces. This creates a stable equilibrium position that maintains the clamping spring in the open state without requiring continuous external force.
2Force
If rigid conductors are used, then sufficient force can be applied to pivot the clamping leg without actuating the actuating element, but flexible conductors require actuating element operation, increasing handling time
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is pre-configured with flank surfaces and a projection that automatically engage with the clamping spring's holding leg to create the open position before conductor insertion. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for manual actuation during the connection process, reducing handling time for flexible conductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user's initial action and the clamping spring's open position. By designing the actuating element to automatically brace against the holding leg, it mediates the transition to open position without requiring the user to directly manipulate the clamping spring or hold the actuator.
3Ease of operation
If the actuating element manually holds the clamping spring in the open position, then the conductor can be inserted, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element combines multiple functions into a single component: it actuates the clamping spring to the open position, braces against the holding leg to maintain the open position, and guides the conductor during insertion. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate mechanisms and simplifies the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is designed as a multi-functional component that performs actuation, positioning, and guiding functions. Its universal design with specific geometric features (flank surfaces, projection) allows it to interact with the clamping spring's holding leg and facilitate conductor insertion, reducing the need for additional specialized components.
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 simple and secure connection of flexible conductors by enabling tool-free insertion and automatic clamping, reducing handling complexity and time.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping spring (111), which has a holding leg (112) and a clamping leg (113), wherein a conductor (300) inserted into the connection assembly can be clamped against the current bar (110) by means of the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111)
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 electrical conductor being clampable against the current bar by the clamping leg in a clamped position of the clamping spring; and an actuating element guidable along an actuation direction and by which the clamping spring is transferrable from the clamped position into an open position. The actuating element is braced with the clamping spring in the open position and holds the clamping spring in the open position.