Handle-Actuated Terminal Block for Shorter Spring Clip Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal blocks require a long stroke for operation, causing inconvenience and increasing their overall size due to the distance needed to press spring clips with a screwdriver.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block design with a handle that allows for a shorter stroke operation by pivoting a movable elastic arm using a handle connected to a pivot portion, reducing the overall size by minimizing the travel distance required for the handle's actuating part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a screwdriver is used to press the spring clips directly, then the electrical connection can be achieved, but the operation requires a long stroke and increases the overall size of the terminal block
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable elastic arm that can dynamically change position between extended and retracted states. When the handle is rotated, the elastic arm moves dynamically to push the spring clips, providing the necessary force without requiring a long fixed stroke. This dynamic mechanism allows compact terminal block design while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable elastic arm serves as an intermediary between the handle and the spring clips. Instead of the handle directly pushing the spring clips over a long distance, the elastic arm transfers and amplifies the motion, converting the small rotation of the handle into the necessary displacement to compress the spring clips effectively.
2Force
If the handle is positioned far from the spring clips to provide leverage, then pressing force can be achieved, but the terminal block size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arm provides dynamic mechanical advantage through its curved geometry and elastic properties. As the handle rotates a short distance, the elastic arm converts this small angular displacement into a larger linear displacement at the tip, while simultaneously generating sufficient pressing force on the spring clips through its elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the pressing mechanism by using an elastic material with specific mechanical properties. The elastic arm's modulus, length, and cross-sectional area are optimized to provide the necessary force multiplication, allowing sufficient pressing force to be generated within a compact volume without requiring long lever arms.
3Length of stationary object
If the handle stroke is shortened to reduce size, then the terminal block becomes more compact, but the movement distance required to press the spring clips is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The movable elastic arm acts as a motion amplification intermediary. It receives a small displacement from the handle rotation and transforms it into a larger displacement at the point of contact with the spring clips. This allows the handle stroke to be short while still achieving the necessary compression distance for the spring clips.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arm's dynamic behavior allows it to store and release mechanical energy during the pressing operation. As the handle rotates, the elastic arm deforms and stores energy, then releases this energy to push the spring clips over the required distance, effectively multiplying the handle's limited stroke.
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
Enhances operational convenience and reduces the overall size of the terminal block by enabling a shorter stroke mechanism for cable insertion and connection.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic piece includes a bending section, a movable elastic arm, and a resisting arm. The movable elastic arm and the resisting arm extend respectively from two sides of the bending section, and the bending section surrounds the pivot portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal block includes a base having an accommodation space, an installation opening, an insertion port and a penetration port. A pivot portion is formed adjacent to the installation opening. An elastic piece includes a bending section, a movable elastic arm, and a resisting arm. The movable elastic arm and the resisting arm extend respectively from two sides of the bending section, and the bending section surrounds the pivot portion. A conductive terminal includes a conductive section and a conducting lead. The conductive section contacts the resisting arm, and the conducting lead is disposed corresponding to the penetration port. A handle is combined in the installation opening, pivotally connected to the pivot portion, and exposed from one side of the insertion port. A cable is inserted into the accommodation space through the insertion port to be electrically connected with the at least one conducting lead.