Leaf Spring Quick Connector Low-Force Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection devices with leaf springs require high insertion force for plugging multiple conductors, which can be problematic due to the simultaneous resistance of multiple springs, and existing solutions either complicate the design or are single-use.
Innovation Solution
A simple, one-piece flexible leaf spring with prestressed and foldable tabs that can be easily reset, featuring a blade configuration with an abutment to hold it away from the conductive surface initially, and a trigger for releasing it during insertion to achieve low insertion force and maintain contact force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple conductors are plugged in simultaneously, then complete electrical connection is achieved, but the cumulative resistance of multiple springs creates excessive insertion force
Solution Approach 1:
Each leaf spring is pre-positioned in a retracted state using elastic means before insertion. This allows multiple conductors to be inserted simultaneously without encountering the full contact force of multiple springs at once. The elastic means absorb the insertion force for each spring independently, and only after all conductors are inserted do the springs engage to establish electrical contact.
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 and low-force connection of conductors with maintained contact force, allowing for repeated use without wear, and includes a relocking mechanism for safe disconnection and reconnection.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means for holding said first blade portion at a distance from the conductive surface, said first blade portion being prestressed and maintained in an equilibrium position
Implementation Method 2
at least one flexible leaf spring having a first portion intended to press said conductor, when plugged into a connection chamber, against a surface conductor electrically connected to said terminal
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
Device for connecting a conductor (3) to an electrical terminal, of the type comprising at least one flexible leaf spring (1) having a first portion designed to press said conductor (3), as it is pushed into a connection chamber (8), against a conducting surface (2) electrically connected to said terminal, and comprising: - elastic means for keeping said first leaf spring portion (1) away from the conducting surface (2), said first leaf spring portion (1) being preloaded and kept in a position of equilibrium in a situation of disconnectedness; - means for releasing said first leaf spring portion (1) which are activated as the conductor (3) is pushed in, unsettling the position of equilibrium, the first leaf spring portion (1) released presses the pushed-in conductor (3) against the conducting surface (2) in a situation of connectedness. This devices is characterized in that the leaf (1) is a strip comprising transverse folds delimiting leaf portions, the means that keep the first leaf spring portion (1) in position and that release same being provided in a second elastic leaf spring portion (1) made as one with the first leaf spring portion (1), an intermediate portion having a region of attachment to a wall (5) of the connection chamber (8) connecting said first and second leaf spring portions (1).