Electrical Connector Actuator with Bidirectional Clamping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors face issues with unintentional loosening of clamps, leading to intermittent connections, increased electrical resistance, and potential fire risks, as well as electrocution hazards when twist-on connectors fall.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a clamping element with a movable actuator that can be configured between open and closed positions, using a rack and pinion mechanism or screw mechanism, to securely clamp conductors against electrically conducting contacts, reducing the risk of unintentional disconnection and providing a robust connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional clamp or fastener is used to secure the conductor, then the connector can be simple in structure, but the clamp may loosen unintentionally reducing clamping force and causing intermittent connections
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is configured to be movable between a first configuration (where it can only close the clamp) and a second configuration (where it can both open and close the clamp). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the connector to provide secure locking during normal operation while enabling intentional reopening when needed, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is divided into functionally distinct configurations: a first configuration that provides unidirectional clamping action for security, and a second configuration that provides bidirectional control for maintenance. This segmentation of functional states allows the single actuator to satisfy both reliability and controllability requirements
2Ease of operation
If the clamp is made easily movable for installation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connector may fall and expose conducting parts causing electrocution risk
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism is designed with a preliminary locking feature where, in the first configuration, the clamp can only be closed onto the conductor but not opened. This preliminary anti-action prevents accidental opening and connector falling during installation and normal use, eliminating electrocution risk while maintaining ease of initial installation
3Ease of operation
If the actuator allows bidirectional movement for maintenance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintentional loosening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator dynamically switches between two configurations: in the first configuration, it provides unidirectional closing action that prevents unintentional loosening; in the second configuration, it enables bidirectional movement for maintenance. This dynamic behavior allows the system to prioritize security during normal operation while providing accessibility when intentionally activated
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for electrically connecting to a conductor, the connector including a terminal provided with an electrical contact made of an electrically conducting material, a clamping element for clamping the conductor against the electrical contact and an actuator. A conducting element extends from the electrical contact. The clamping element is movable by the actuator between clamping element open and closed configurations. The actuator is configurable between first and second configurations. In the first configuration, the actuator is only operable to move the clamping element towards the closed configuration. In the second configuration, the actuator is operable to move the clamping element towards the open configuration.