Connection Element With Linear Actuator For Tool-Free Conductor Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection elements for conductors are either difficult to install and uninstall quickly, or require special tools and complex movements, making them cumbersome for both initial assembly and subsequent handling.
Innovation Solution
A connection element comprising a contact element and an actuating element, where the contact element has a movable contact arm with a clamping region and a guide contour, allowing for easy insertion and secure mechanical and electrical contact, and the actuating element is designed for linear movement to control the contact arm's position, enabling quick assembly and disassembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a connection element is designed for quick initial assembly, then installation speed is improved, but handling during uninstallation and reinstallation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element employs a dynamic actuating element that can be moved between different positions to control the contact arm. This dynamic mechanism allows the same structure to facilitate both quick initial assembly and easy subsequent handling, resolving the contradiction between installation speed and ease of operation during uninstallation
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element serves as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the user's simple linear movement and the complex motion of the contact arm. This intermediary allows users to perform simple linear movements while the mechanism internally manages the complex coordination needed for both quick assembly and easy uninstallation
2Ease of operation
If the actuating element is designed for comfortable user operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the actuating element for user interaction, the contact arm for electrical contact, and the guide contour for motion control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, maintaining ease of operation while managing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The guide contour acts as an intermediary that translates the simple linear movement of the actuating element into the complex coordinated motion of the contact arm. This intermediary mechanism allows the user interface to remain simple while the internal mechanism handles the complexity of coordinating multiple moving parts
3Ease of operation
If a tool-free operation is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of connection may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is designed to be self-sufficient, with the actuating element directly controlling the contact arm through the guide contour without requiring external tools. The mechanism ensures reliable connection through its inherent mechanical design, where the contact arm's movement is precisely controlled by the guide contour geometry, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining connection reliability
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
Enables simple, quick, and tool-free installation and uninstallation of conductors, with the connection element maintaining a secure electrical and mechanical connection, facilitating efficient handling of multiple conductors.
Implementation Method 1
The contact arm is designed in such a way that it is pressed against the contact surface under preload
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection element (1), which comprises a contact element (2) and an actuating element (3) and serves for mechanically and electrically contacting a conductor. The contact element (2) has at least one contact arm (4), which is designed for spring-loaded clamping of a conductor on a contact surface (7). The connection element (1) can be transferred into different open or closed states by means of a driver (5) on the contact arm (4) and by means of a guide contour (6) in the actuating element (3).