Connection Clamp Release Mechanism for Automatic Conductor Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection arrangements for electrical conductors, particularly with flexible conductors, require manual actuation to pivot the clamping spring away from the current bar for insertion and subsequent clamping, making the assembly process cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A connection arrangement where a displaceable guide element, in operative connection with the clamping spring, holds the clamping leg in a release position until a trigger element is disengaged by the conductor's compressive force, allowing the guide element to move by spring force into a clamping position, enabling easy connection of flexible conductors without manual actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual actuation is used to pivot the clamping spring away from the current bar for insertion, then the conductor can be inserted into the connection arrangement, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor itself acts as the actuating element. When the conductor is inserted, it automatically triggers the release element, which releases the guide element, allowing the clamping spring to pivot automatically into the clamping position without requiring manual actuation by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide element is pre-positioned in the release position and held there by the release element during manufacturing and storage. This preliminary positioning ensures that the clamping spring is ready to automatically pivot into the clamping position as soon as the conductor is inserted, eliminating the need for manual actuation during assembly.
2Extent of automation
If the clamping spring is held in release position by a guide element and release element mechanism, then automatic clamping is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release element is integrated into the guide element structure, and both work together with the clamping spring as a unified mechanism. The trigger element is also incorporated into this system, creating a compact automated release mechanism that does not require separate complex components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide element serves multiple functions: it guides the clamping spring into the correct position, holds the clamping spring in the release position through engagement with the release element, and allows automatic transition to the clamping position when the release element is triggered. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate 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 easy and efficient connection of flexible conductors by eliminating the need for manual operation of the actuating element, reducing handling complexity and time required for assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the guide element can be displaced by a spring force of the clamping leg in such a way that the clamping leg is moved into the clamping position
Implementation Method 2
the conductor strikes the pressure surface of the trigger element when inserted into the connection arrangement, whereby a pressure force can be applied from the conductor to the trigger element
Data Source
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AI summary
The aim of the invention is to provide a connection arrangement (100) for connecting an electrical conductor, comprising a current bar (110), a clamping spring (111) which has a clamping leg (113) which can be transferred into a clamping position and into a release position, a conductor connection space (124) formed between a section (114) of the current bar (110) and the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111), a displaceably arranged guide element (115) which is in operative connection with the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111), wherein the clamping leg (113) can be held in the release position by means of the guide element (115), and a release element (125) which, in the release position of the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111), is engaged with the guide element (115), the release element (125) being actuable by the conductor to be connected when the latter is introduced into the conductor connection space (124) such that the release element (125) is released from the guide element (115) and the guide element (115) can be displaced by a spring force of the clamping leg (113) in such a way that, for clamping the conductor against the current bar (110), the clamping leg (113) is transferred into the clamping position.