Installation Switching Device Tool-Free Conductor Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing installation switching devices with screwless terminal connections face limitations in tool-free insertion and removal of connecting cables, often requiring additional components or complex structures that restrict their use and increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified design where the terminal connection space is laterally limited by the housing, with a pivotally connected cover part that acts as a guide and spring actuator, allowing for tool-free insertion and removal of conductors using a clamping spring and busbar, reducing the number of components and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separately molded terminal spring housing is used, then tool-free insertion and removal of conductors is enabled, but the structure becomes very complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the terminal spring housing with the main housing into a single integrated structure. The terminal spring is fixed in position in the terminal connection space of the housing, eliminating the need for a separate molded terminal spring housing. This merging reduces structural complexity while maintaining the functionality of tool-free conductor insertion and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural enclosure, houses the terminal connection space, and integrates the terminal spring mounting. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate terminal spring housing components, reducing overall device complexity while preserving ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If plug-in terminals housed in a separate terminal block are used, then tool-free connection is achieved, but additional plug-in parts are required and standardized housings cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the terminal spring and terminal connection space directly into the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate terminal blocks and plug-in parts. This reduces the number of components while maintaining standardized housing compatibility and tool-free connection capability.
3Ease of operation
If a cover part clipped onto the narrow side of the housing is used, then terminal connection is accessible, but the cover part width must correspond to the housing width increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cover part into segments that correspond to individual terminal connection openings rather than requiring a single cover part spanning the entire housing width. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing of smaller cover components while maintaining terminal connection accessibility.
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
Enables easy, cost-effective, and tool-free insertion and removal of connecting conductors, simplifying the assembly process and reducing the need for additional parts, while maintaining mechanical stability and low electrical resistance, allowing for integration into half-standard module widths.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping spring (12) for clamping a connecting conductor (14) to a busbar (102)
Implementation Method 2
spring actuating means (30) are formed on the cover part (22) and are designed so that when the cover part (22) is pivoted against the clamping spring (12), they act on the clamping spring (12) to open it
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to an installation switching device (1) comprising a housing (3), a frontal (4) and rear (5) front side, an attachment side (6), front (7) and rear (8) narrow sides and broad sides (9), and a screwless clamp connector (10) with a clamping spring (12) for connecting conductors (14), said clamp connector being fixed in position in a clamp connector chamber (18) of the housing (3). The invention is characterized in that the clamp connector chamber (18) is laterally defined by the broad sides (9) of the housing and is open towards at least the frontal front side (4) and that the opening (20) of the clamp connector chamber (18) can be covered by a clamp covering part (22) that is pivotably mounted on the housing (3), the clamp covering part comprising a connecting area (24) having a number of connection openings (26) which corresponds to the number of connecting conductors (14), and guide means (28) for the connecting conductors (14), which are formed onto each connection opening (26). According to the invention, spring actuation means (30) are formed onto the clamp covering part (22) and configured in such a way that they act on the clamping spring (12) when the clamp covering part (22) is pivoted towards the latter, thus opening said spring.