Insulated Battery Clamp Structure for Reliable Cable Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery clamps are not sufficiently improved, lacking features for enhanced usability and durability.

Innovation Solution

A battery clamp device comprising an outer clamp made of electrically insulating material and an inner clamp made of electrically conductive material, with snap-fit connections and a spring mechanism for secure attachment, ensuring robust and efficient connection with battery cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a battery clamp device uses only a single clamp structure, then the device complexity is low, but the connection reliability and durability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested clamp structure where an inner clamp is positioned within an outer clamp. The inner clamp provides primary electrical connection, while the outer clamp provides additional mechanical support and insulation. This nested arrangement enhances connection reliability through multiple contact points and redundant support structures without requiring entirely separate clamp systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material construction by combining conductive materials for the inner clamp (for optimal electrical contact) with insulating materials for the outer clamp (for safety and protection). This composite approach allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall connection reliability while maintaining reasonable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If a battery clamp device uses snap-fit connections and spring mechanism, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage the clamp from the battery terminal. When the clamp is approached to the terminal, the spring automatically provides the necessary clamping force and secures the connection without requiring manual adjustment or additional fastening operations. This self-service mechanism significantly improves ease of operation during battery connections and disconnections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The snap-fit connection acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's manual operation and the final clamping action. The snap-fit features provide audible and tactile feedback that confirms proper engagement, serving as a mediator that ensures correct installation without requiring complex alignment procedures or multiple adjustment steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the outer clamp is made of electrically insulating material and inner clamp of electrically conductive material, then the safety and reliability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp device is segmented into two distinct components: an inner conductive clamp for electrical contact and an outer insulating clamp for safety and structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using material and processes optimized for its specific requirements, with the inner clamp focused on electrical conductivity and the outer clamp on insulation properties and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer insulating clamp serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation for safety, structural support for the overall assembly, and protection for the inner conductive clamp. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in manufacturing complexity while achieving improved operational safety.

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

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

The device provides a robust and efficient connection with battery cables, enhancing usability and durability through snap-fit connections and a spring mechanism, ensuring secure and reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

a spring mechanism for secure attachment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 2

snap-fit connections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSnap-fit connection: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentEP3956951B1Battery clamp device
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 NOCO CO
  • EP3956951B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3956951B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3956951B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A battery clamp having a first inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion, a second inner metal battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion, a first outer insulating battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion connected to the first inner metal battery clamp, and a second outer insulating battery clamp member having a handle portion and a clamp portion connected to the second inner metal battery clamp. The first inner metal battery clamp member and/or the second inner metal battery clamp member having a battery cable connector configured to allow a user to access the battery cable connector with the user's fingers or a tool while avoiding interference with the handle portions of the battery clamp.