Connector Clamp Actuator for Position-Independent Status Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection terminals lack a reliable and position-independent status display for the clamping state of inserted conductors, making it difficult to visually assess the clamping status, especially in overhead or vertical installations.
Innovation Solution
A connection terminal design featuring a housing with a clamping device, an actuating device, and a display device where the actuating device is movably coupled to the clamping device, allowing the display device to show the clamping state on an enlarged scale, independent of the terminal's spatial position, with the actuating device serving as both an opener and a status indicator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a separate status display is provided in the connection terminal, then the clamping status can be clearly indicated, but the device complexity increases and space requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating device for opening the clamping device is merged with the status display function. The actuating device serves dual purposes: it actuates the clamping device to open or close the electrical connection, and simultaneously indicates the clamping status through its position. This eliminates the need for a separate status display component, reducing device complexity while maintaining clear status indication.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the operational mechanism for opening/closing the clamping device and as the status display indicator. By making the actuating device movable and position-indicating, it universally performs both actuation and information display functions, optimizing space utilization and reducing overall device complexity.
2Loss of information
If the path difference of the opener between open and clamped position is small, then the device complexity is reduced, but the status can only be reliably recognized on closer inspection and from a short distance
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating device utilizes angular/rotational movement in addition to linear displacement. The actuating device is rotatably coupled to the clamping device, allowing it to pivot between positions. This angular movement amplifies the visible status indication from a compact linear displacement, enabling clear status recognition from a distance while maintaining a compact overall device structure.
3Loss of information
If the receiving device is arranged spatially between the fixed section of the clamping spring and the actuating device, then the display device shows the clamping state on an enlarged scale independently of housing position, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic coupling where the actuating device is movably/rotatably connected to the clamping device. This dynamic connection allows the actuating device to respond to and indicate the clamping status through its position changes. The spatial arrangement creates a mechanical linkage that amplifies the status indication, providing reliable visual feedback regardless of the terminal's installation orientation, while the compact dynamic linkage minimizes the required space.
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
This design enables a clear and reliable visual indication of the clamping status from any distance, preventing faulty insertions and accommodating conductors of various diameters, while minimizing space requirements, as the actuating device doubles as a display, providing a compact solution.
Implementation Method 1
A clamping device (7) with a clamping spring (10) held in the housing (2) for clamping the conductor (5) against the current bar (3) in order to electrically conductively connect an inserted conductor (5) to the current bar (3)
Implementation Method 2
An actuating device (8) is provided for opening the clamping device (7). The actuating device (8) acts on the clamping spring (10) to open the clamping device (7)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector clamp having a housing and a current bar disposed thereon, and having a receiving unit for receiving a conductor, and having a clamping unit with a clamping spring held in the housing for clamping the conductor against the current bar in order to conduct an inserted conductor to the current bar in an electrically conductive manner. An activation unit is provided that acts on the clamping spring in order to open the clamping unit. The activation unit is provided with an indicator unit for indicating a clamping state of the clamping unit. The activation unit is coupled in terms of movement to the clamping unit. The receiving unit is disposed spatially between a fixed section of the clamping spring and the activation unit so that the indicator unit indicates the clamping state of the clamping unit independently of the spatial position of the housing.