Electrical Terminal with Movable Connector Stages for Conductor Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical connection terminals struggle to establish reliable connections between power conductors and cables due to differences in geometry and section, leading to poor contact integrity, especially when using Rogowski sensors which require specific conductor geometries not compatible with conventional clamping clamp terminals, and compactness issues with elevator shaft terminals.

Innovation Solution

A compact electrical connection terminal featuring a C-shaped connector with two parallel stages, one movable relative to the other, and a bracket around the screw, allowing for adaptable screw-clamp assembly that securely connects conductive elements regardless of geometry, incorporating a seat to prevent axial displacement and housings for multiple conductive elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional clamping clamp terminals are used, then the structure is simple, but the electrical connection is poor due to geometry mismatch between power conductor and cable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different conductor geometries
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates a movable first stage that can translate along the screw axis, allowing the clamping structure to dynamically adapt to different conductor geometries and sizes. This dynamic adjustment enables reliable electrical connection across various conductor types while maintaining a simple overall terminal structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is divided into two stages: a fixed second stage and a movable first stage. This segmentation allows the movable first stage to adjust its position to accommodate different conductor geometries, while the fixed second stage provides stable structural support, thereby improving adaptability without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If elevator shaft terminals are used, then the electrical connection is reliable, but the device is not compact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidterminal compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The movable first stage is nested within the housing structure, translating along the screw axis within the available space. This nesting approach allows the terminal to maintain compact dimensions while providing reliable electrical connection through the adjustable clamping mechanism, avoiding the bulkiness of traditional elevator shaft terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic translation of the first stage along the screw axis enables the terminal to achieve reliable connection without requiring the large fixed structure of elevator shaft terminals. The movable component adjusts to fit different conductor sizes within a compact overall footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the connector structure is simplified, then the manufacturing is easier, but the adaptability to different conductor sections is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different conductor sections
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector uses a simple movable first stage that translates along the screw axis, which can be manufactured with basic machining operations. This dynamic adjustment mechanism provides adaptability to different conductor sections without requiring complex multi-component structures, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable first stage serves multiple functions: it provides the clamping force, adjusts to different conductor geometries, and ensures proper electrical contact. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single simple component that translates along the screw axis, avoiding the need for multiple specialized parts and simplifying manufacturing.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3333981B1Electrical connecting terminal between two conducting elements
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP3333981B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3333981B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3333981B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical connection terminal between two conductive elements (4.2, 12.2), this terminal comprising at least one clamping screw, including a head and a thread, a connector for each screw, each connector comprising a first stage, defining a thread for receiving the clamping screw, and a second stage, including a hole for passing the screw, aligned with the thread, the first stage being movable relative to the second stage parallel to an axis (X6) of the screw, a housing for receiving a first conductive element between the two stages of the connector, and characterized in that the terminal comprises a bracket, mounted around each screw, between the head and the thread of the screw, the terminal comprises a housing for receiving a second conductive element between the bracket and the connector, the second stage is disposed between the first stage and the bracket, and the two stages of the connector are in one piece.