Contact Spring Clamping Structure for Compact Conductor Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conductor connection elements, particularly cage clamps, require a large structure to generate sufficient counter-torque for clamping, making them bulky and complicating handling and production.

Innovation Solution

A contact spring with a base part having two support zones that act from opposite sides on the contact piece, allowing a compact design and easy handling, with optional anchoring mechanisms for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the base part of the contact spring is designed as a U-shaped structure with parallel legs to provide sufficient counter-torque, then the counter-torque capability is improved, but the length of the contact spring increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounter-torque capabilityVSAvoidlength of contact spring

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The base part is designed with two support zones acting on the contact piece from opposite sides at different distances from the clamping piece, creating a multi-dimensional support structure that generates sufficient counter-torque within a compact length by utilizing spatial distribution rather than linear extension

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the contact piece and contact spring are made as separate components, then the manufacturing complexity of the contact piece is reduced, but the handling and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturability of contact pieceVSAvoidhandling and assembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base part of the contact spring is releasably held on the contact piece through the two support zones that act on opposite sides, creating a nested configuration where the contact spring is held on the contact piece. This allows the separate components to be easily handled as one unit during assembly while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 a more compact and easily manageable conductor connection element with enhanced production efficiency and secure clamping, while maintaining effective torque absorption.

Implementation Method 1

the contact spring is elastically deflected and a torque acts on the base part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deflection: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the base part has two support zones which act on the contact piece from opposite sides at positions at different distances from the clamping piece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force distribution: Force

Data Source

PatentUS12609464B2Contact spring with clamping opening for a conductor or cable

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 HARTING ELECTRIC GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to an electric conductor connection element with a contact part and a contact spring which has a base part that is supported against a counter bearing and a clamping part that can be elastically deflected, is angled relative to the base part, and together with the contact part forms a clamping opening for an electric conductor. The invention is characterized in that the base part of the contact spring is releasably held on the contact part in that the base part has two support zones which engage on the contact part from opposite sides in positions at different distances to the clamping part.