Electrical Connection Device with Differentiated Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrical connection devices require significant space, are ergonomically challenging, and lack versatility in accommodating various conductor configurations, leading to complex and time-consuming installation processes.

Innovation Solution

A compact electrical connection device featuring through and parallel indentations on fixing flanges and a connection pad, with clamping means that include a single central tie rod or lateral tie rods, allowing for differentiated tightening of conductors and automatic compensation for fatigue or vibrations, facilitating quick and easy connection of multiple conductors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional staircase accessories are superimposed on connection pads to accommodate multiple conductors, then the device can connect multiple conductors of different types, but the space requirement increases significantly (at least 200mm total space per device) and the device complexity increases due to multiple accessories and fixing screws

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to connect multiple conductors of different typesVSAvoidspace requirement in electrical cabinet
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple staircase accessories into a single integrated connection device. The connection pad with multiple housings (first, second, third, fourth housings) and unified fixing flanges consolidates what would traditionally require separate superimposed accessories, reducing the overall space footprint while maintaining the ability to connect multiple conductors of different types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device is designed as a universal component that can accommodate various conductor types (single-stranded cable, multi-stranded cable, bar) through its multiple housings with different cross-sectional areas. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized accessories, thereby reducing space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fixing screws are used to secure conductors in staircase accessories, then the connection can accommodate different conductor types, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to ergonomic problems in accessing clamping screws and the tedious assembly process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate different conductor typesVSAvoidease of accessing and tightening clamping screws
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric design in the arrangement of housings and fixing mechanisms. The first and second housings have different cross-sectional areas and are positioned differently, allowing optimized access to their respective fixing screws. This asymmetric layout improves ergonomics by placing frequently accessed screws in more accessible positions while maintaining versatility for different conductor types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixing mechanisms are used with multiple accessories, then the connection can be established, but the reliability deteriorates due to non-uniform clamping force across different conductor types and the need for periodic tightening checks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to connect various conductor configurationsVSAvoiduniformity of clamping force and stability against vibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different housing cross-sectional areas (first and second housings with different areas) tailored to specific conductor types. Each housing is optimized locally to provide appropriate clamping force for its intended conductor, ensuring uniform and reliable connection while maintaining overall versatility. This localized optimization eliminates the need for periodic tightening checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3707779B1Electrical connection device for an electrical apparatus and connection method using said device
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 SOCOMEC SPA
  • EP3707779B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3707779B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3707779B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention concerns an electrical connection device (10) for an electrical apparatus (2), and comprises a connection pad (11) and two attachment flanges (12, 13) arranged on either side of the connection pad (11), the attachment flanges (12, 13) and the connection pad (11) comprising opposing imprints (17) for delimiting four recesses (L1, L2, L3, L4) capable of receiving at most four conductors (C1, C2, C3, C4). Pass-through clamping means, formed by two lateral tie rods (14) and a central rod (15), pass through the assembly constituted by superposition of the attachment flanges (12, 13) and the connection pad (11). The lateral tie rods (14) comprise a support abutment arranged between the connection pad (11) and one of the attachment flanges (12) so that it is possible to differentiate the tightening, recess by recess, facilitating the placing of conductors, said conductors being able to have different diameters.