L-Shaped Connection Terminal With Resilient Clamping Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connection terminal structures are characterized by structural complexity, difficulty in shaping, high costs, and intricate assembly processes, making them inefficient for use in electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A connection terminal structure comprising a basic L-shaped element with an engaging flange and shoulder, and a clamping element with a resilient clamping arm, supporting arm, and connecting arm, which simplifies the design, reduces manufacturing and assembly costs, and features a wavy stripe on the longitudinal arm for enhanced friction retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional connection terminal structure with insulating case and connection clamp is used, then electrical connection can be established, but structural complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the basic element and clamping element into a single integrated component. The basic element provides structural support and engagement features, while the clamping element provides the resilient clamping force. These two functional elements are combined into one piece that can be molded as a single unit, eliminating the need for separate insulating cases and connection clamps, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining electrical connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated connection terminal structure performs multiple functions: the basic element provides structural support and positioning, the engaging flange and shoulder portions provide mechanical engagement, and the resilient clamping arm provides electrical connection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional connection terminal structure with multiple components is used, then electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple components into a single integrated structure that can be molded in one piece, the patent eliminates the need for separate manufacturing processes for insulating cases and connection clamps. This single-mold construction reduces manufacturing steps, material waste, and assembly operations, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining reliable electrical connection functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional connection terminal structure with resilient clamping arm is used, then electrical connection is established, but assembly process becomes intricate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the resilient clamping arm with the basic element into a single component. The clamping element is molded as one piece with the basic element, with the resilient clamping arm extending from the integrated structure. This eliminates the need for separate assembly of the clamping arm with the insulating case, simplifying the assembly process to merely inserting the wire through the guiding groove and engaging it with the clamping element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated structure features self-aligning engagement mechanisms where the guiding groove automatically positions the wire, and the resilient clamping arm automatically clamps the wire upon engagement with the basic element. This self-service design reduces the complexity of assembly operations and minimizes the need for precise manual alignment during assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution achieves structural simplicity, ease of shaping, low costs, and a straightforward assembly process, ensuring reliable electrical connections with reduced material and manual labor costs.

Implementation Method 1

The resilient clamping arm penetrates the opening portion to move resiliently

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The surface forms thereon a wavy stripe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9624951B2Connection terminal structure
Publication Date: 2017.04.18 DINKLE ENTERPRISE CO LTD
  • US9624951B2 patent drawing
  • US9624951B2 patent drawing
  • US9624951B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A connection terminal structure includes a basic element and a clamping element. The basic element is bent to be L-shaped and includes a longitudinal arm and a transverse arm connected to the longitudinal arm. An upper end of the longitudinal arm forms an engaging flange and an engaging shoulder portion. A right end of the transverse arm forms a joint portion. The clamping element comprises a resilient clamping arm, a supporting arm, and a connecting arm. The connecting arm forms an opening portion and extends from the supporting arm to the longitudinal arm. The opening portion fits around the engaging shoulder portion. A lower end of the supporting arm forms a joint end jointed to the joint portion. The resilient clamping arm connects with the supporting arm, extends to the longitudinal arm, has a front end engaging with the engaging flange, and penetrates the opening portion to move resiliently.