Lever-Actuated Pluggable Terminal Block for Fast Reliable Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional terminal blocks require time-consuming and difficult processes for wire connection, often resulting in incomplete or unreliable electrical and mechanical coupling, leading to signal interruptions and impedance issues, especially in setting up and breaking down sound equipment.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable terminal block with a lever mechanism that actuates an internal spring to securely connect and disconnect wires without tools, featuring a busbar for efficient electricity transfer and a socket for pin connection, allowing quick and reliable electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw-based terminal blocks are used, then reliable electrical connection can be achieved, but the connection process becomes time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static screw-clamping mechanism into a dynamic lever-actuated spring mechanism. The spring provides continuous pressure on the wire while the lever enables quick opening and closing actions, allowing rapid connection and disconnection while maintaining reliable electrical contact throughout the connection lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically maintains contact pressure on the wire without requiring continuous user intervention. Once the lever is closed to secure the wire, the spring self-adjusts to maintain optimal electrical contact, eliminating the need for precise screw tightening and providing foolproof reliable connection.
2Reliability
If traditional screw-based terminal blocks are used, then secure wire retention can be achieved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism transforms the complex multi-step screw operation into a simple single-action lever closure. The lever pivots to simultaneously engage the wire retention clamp and activate the spring pressure, providing secure wire retention with a single intuitive motion that is much easier to operate than traditional screw terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary between the lever action and the wire retention. When the lever closes, it compresses the spring which then applies continuous pressure to secure the wire, mediating the force transmission and providing smooth, controlled retention without requiring the user to directly manipulate small screws or clamps.
3Reliability
If traditional terminal blocks are used, then electrical connection can be established, but signal interruptions and impedance issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism continuously self-adjusts to maintain optimal electrical contact pressure on the wire, compensating for any wire movement, thermal expansion, or mechanical settling. This automatic pressure maintenance ensures consistent electrical impedance and prevents signal interruptions without requiring external adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides continuous mechanical feedback through the lever position and spring compression, ensuring the wire remains securely retained. This constant pressure application creates stable electrical contact that minimizes impedance variations and prevents the connection issues associated with loose or intermittent screw contacts.
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 rapid and secure electrical connections, reducing setup and teardown time while ensuring stable signal transfer and minimizing impedance issues, improving the efficiency of audio and electronic equipment connections.
Implementation Method 1
a lever mechanism that actuates an internal spring to securely connect and disconnect wires
Implementation Method 2
featuring a busbar for efficient electricity transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal block including a body, a plug, and a lever. The plug extends from the body to connect to an outlet. As the plug connects to an outlet, the plug is configured to receive an electrical pin and/or another conductor. In one example, the outlet and pin are part of an audio device. The body is configured to receive a wire and/or another conductor. The lever is configured to actuate between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the lever is configured to compress an internal spring to receive a wire. In the closed position, the lever is configured to release the spring such as to retain the wire.