Grounding Nut Chain with Elastic Connecting Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional grounding nut systems require significant assembly effort to establish electrically conductive connections between electrical or electronic components and switch cabinet housings, and there is a risk of nuts accidentally falling during assembly.

Innovation Solution

A grounding nut chain with an S-shaped connecting element that can be clamped onto a fastening section of the switch cabinet, featuring a holding leg merging into a contact leg, allowing multiple nuts to be arranged and secured in one assembly step, with elastic pivoting legs for easy installation and adjustment, and a clamping mechanism to prevent accidental displacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional grounding nuts are used individually, then electrical conductive connections can be established, but assembly effort increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductive connectionVSAvoidassembly effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple grounding nuts are merged into a single chain assembly with connecting elements, allowing multiple grounding points to be installed simultaneously by clamping the entire chain onto the cabinet housing in one operation, thereby reducing assembly effort while maintaining reliable electrical connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If conventional grounding nuts are used individually, then grounding connections can be made, but risk of accidental nut loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrounding connectionVSAvoidnut loss risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Grounding nuts are combined into a chain where connecting elements with retaining legs capture and secure the nuts, preventing them from falling out during assembly. The nuts remain captive within the chain structure until intentionally removed, eliminating the risk of accidental loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple grounding nuts are arranged on switch cabinet housing, then adequate electrical connection is established, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple grounding nuts and connecting elements are merged into a pre-assembled chain unit that can be installed as a single component. The retaining legs and clamping mechanism are integrated into the chain structure, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining multiple grounding points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Significantly reduces assembly effort and ensures secure, captive nut placement, preventing accidental loss and facilitating efficient electrical grounding connections while allowing for easy adaptation to various switch cabinet configurations.

Implementation Method 1

the legs of the S-profile-shaped connecting element are designed and connected to one another in such a way that the legs can be pivoted elastically relative to one another, so that the connecting element can be pushed onto the strip-shaped section and clamped there

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3136524B1Grounding nuts chain
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 LISI AUTOMOTIVE MECANO
  • EP3136524B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3136524B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3136524B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a grounding nut chain (1) for mounting on a control cabinet (3), a perforated sheet, or the like. The grounding nut chain (1) has several nuts (4). The nuts (4) are spaced apart from one another. Adjacent nuts (4) are connected to each other via a connecting element (5). The spacing of the nuts (4) is adapted to the hole spacing of recesses (6) in the control cabinet (3), the perforated sheet, or the like, so that the nuts (4) of the grounding nut chain (1) can be positioned in the recesses (6). At least one connecting element (5) has a release device (9). The grounding nut chain (1) can be cut using the release device (9).