Dual Spring Arm Contact Termination for Secure Wire Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional push-in wiring connections in electrical receptacles lack secure retention of inserted wires, leading to potential disconnection and unsafe electrical connections due to the deformability of single spring arms, which can cause fires.
Innovation Solution
A contact termination member with first and second spring arms extending in opposite directions, adapted to securely retain inserted wires against serrated portions of the base, providing a unitary design that is not deformable from outside the receptacle to release wires, ensuring a secure and easy connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single spring arm is used to retain the inserted wire, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of wire retention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single spring arm is segmented into two separate spring arms (first spring arm and second spring arm) that extend in opposite directions. Each spring arm independently retains a wire against its own serrated portion, providing redundant retention mechanisms that improve reliability while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the spring arm is made deformable from outside the receptacle, then the ease of operation for wire release is improved, but the reliability of secure connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deformability function is extracted from the spring arms themselves and transferred to a separate release mechanism (such as a release tool or button) that can be operated from outside the receptacle. This allows the spring arms to remain permanently fixed and maintain secure connections, while still enabling wire release through the external mechanism that acts upon the spring arms indirectly.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single spring arm is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the reliability of electrical connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single spring arm structure is segmented into two spring arms, each with its own serrated portion for wire retention. This segmentation provides redundant retention paths, ensuring that if one spring arm fails or is improperly engaged, the other can still maintain the electrical connection, thereby improving reliability while remaining manufacturable through standard processes.
4Ease of repair
If the spring arm can be deformed from outside the receptacle, then the ease of repair is improved, but the reliability of ongoing connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The repair function is extracted by providing a separate release mechanism that can be operated from outside the receptacle. This mechanism temporarily deforms the spring arms to release wires when needed, while the spring arms themselves remain permanently fixed during normal operation, ensuring connection stability. The release mechanism can be a tool-accessible feature or an integrated button system.
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 dual spring arm design securely retains wires against serrated portions, preventing deformation and ensuring a stable, safe electrical connection, reducing the risk of disconnection and fires.
Implementation Method 1
A spring arm connected to the base is adapted to bias the inserted wire against the serrated portion of the base
Data Source
AI summary
A contact termination member for an electrical receptacle is provided that electrically and mechanically secures an inserted wire to the electrical receptacle. The contact termination member has a base with a serrated portion. A spring arm connected to the base is adapted to bias the inserted wire against the serrated portion of the base to electrically and mechanically secure the inserted wire to the electrical receptacle.