Elastic Contact Box Grid Structure for Reliable Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact elements and systems face challenges in providing a reliable and efficient bracing force for securely engaging additional contact elements, which affects the stability and consistency of electrical contact.
Innovation Solution
The contact element features a contact box with spring-elastic sections and a grid structure, including recesses and crosspieces, that provide a clamping force to securely engage additional contact elements, eliminating the need for internal springs and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional internal springs are used in the contact box, then reliable electrical contact can be established, but the device complexity increases and installation space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional internal spring component from the contact box and replaces it with the elastic functionality of the box sections themselves. The first and third box sections are configured to be elastic, providing the necessary clamping force without requiring separate spring elements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the structural function of the contact box with the spring function by making the first and third box sections elastic. This merging of structural and spring functions eliminates the need for separate spring components, reducing both device complexity and installation space while ensuring reliable electrical contact through the elastic clamping force.
2Reliability
If traditional internal springs are used in the contact box, then reliable electrical contact can be established, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spring function from separate components and integrates it into the box sections themselves. The first and third box sections are configured to be elastic, providing clamping force without requiring additional space for separate spring elements, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural housing function with the spring function by making the box sections elastic. This integration eliminates the need for separate spring components that would occupy additional installation space, while the elastic box sections provide the necessary clamping force for reliable electrical contact.
3Strength
If rigid box sections are used throughout, then structural strength is maintained, but the clamping force for additional contact elements is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different mechanical properties to different parts of the contact box. The second and fourth box sections are configured to be rigid to maintain structural strength, while the first and third box sections are configured to be elastic to provide clamping force. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows both structural strength and sufficient clamping force to be achieved simultaneously.
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 configuration ensures a reliable mechanical and electrical contact with reduced installation space and material usage, enhancing the stability and efficiency of the contact system while simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The first box section and the third box section are at least in sections configured in a spring-elastic manner
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to a contact element and a contact system having such a contact element, the contact element comprising a contact box, the contact box extending in a longitudinal direction of the contact element and at least in sections limiting a receptacle, the contact box comprising at least a first box section, the first box section comprising at least in sections a grid structure.