Leaf-Spring Terminal for Tool-Free Flexible Conductor Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection terminals complicate the connection of flexible conductors due to the need for user-actuated clamping springs, making handling cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A leaf spring clamping mechanism with a receiving element that allows flexible conductors to be clamped against a busbar without prior actuation, using a holding element with a pressure surface that pivots upon conductor insertion, releasing the clamping spring to facilitate easy insertion and secure clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping spring is used to clamp flexible conductors, then the conductor can be securely clamped against the busbar, but the user must manually actuate the clamping spring before insertion, making the process cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block enables self-service operation by allowing the conductor itself to trigger the release mechanism. When the conductor is inserted, it automatically actuates the retaining element to pivot and release the clamping spring, which then clamps the conductor without requiring any manual actuation by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping spring is pre-loaded and held in a released position by the retaining element. The retaining element is designed to automatically pivot when the conductor is inserted, thereby preliminarily preparing the clamping spring to clamp the conductor immediately upon insertion, eliminating the need for prior manual actuation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an actuating element is provided to release the clamping spring, then the clamping spring can be moved from clamped to unclamped state, but this adds device complexity and requires additional user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the actuating function with the conductor insertion process itself. The conductor serves dual purposes: it is both the object to be clamped and the actuating force that triggers the release mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for a separate manual actuating element while maintaining full adaptability of the clamping state control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the retaining element is fixed in position, then the clamping spring remains held in the unclamped state, but this prevents automatic release upon conductor insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element transitions from a static, fixed position to a dynamic, movable component. It is designed to pivot between a first position (holding the clamping spring in the unclamped state) and a second position (releasing the clamping spring upon conductor insertion). This dynamic capability enables automatic release while maintaining stability during the holding phase.
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 efficient connection of flexible conductors by eliminating the need for user-actuated elements, simplifying handling and reducing assembly time.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping spring is designed as a leaf spring... the clamping spring is held in the unclamped state and from which the clamping spring is released in the clamped state
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical connection terminal (100) for connecting a conductor (200), comprising a bus bar (10), a clamp spring (11) with which the conductor (200) is clamped against the bus bar (10) in a clamped state, and an actuation element (32) with which the clamp spring (11) can be transferred from the clamped state into a non-clamped state, wherein the clamp spring (11) is designed as a leaf spring, and a receiving element (12) is provided, on which the clamp spring (11) is secured, wherein the receiving element (12) has a retaining element (16) on which the clamp spring (11) retained in the non-clamped state and from which the clamp spring (11) is released in the clamped state, wherein the retaining element (16) can be swivelled to release the clamp spring (11) from the retaining element (16), wherein the retaining element (16) has a pressure surface (21) which can be actuated in order to execute the swivelling movement by means of the conductor (200) to be connected.