Automatic Connection Terminal With Locking Pusher Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical devices with automatic connection terminals lack versatility and convenience, particularly in accommodating flexible cables without rigid ends, as they require bending elastic strips for cable insertion, which can be cumbersome and limit their usage.

Innovation Solution

The electrical device incorporates a pusher mechanism with a control button that can be locked in a retracted position, allowing flexible cables to be inserted without bending the elastic strip, and features a quarter-turn rotation mechanism for the control key to maintain the locked position, enabling easy cable insertion and secure connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional automatic terminal with a freely movable pusher is used, then the device structure is simple and operation is straightforward, but flexible cables without rigid ends cannot be easily inserted as they require bending the elastic strip

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate flexible cablesVSAvoidease of cable insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pusher is designed with a locking mechanism that can be switched between a locked state (maintaining retracted position) and an unlocked state (freely movable). This dynamic state change allows the terminal to adapt between two operational modes: one for flexible cables where the pusher is locked retracted to avoid elastic strip bending, and another for conventional cables where the pusher moves freely for normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the control button is made freely movable for normal operation, then the device is easy to operate for standard cables, but it cannot maintain a locked retracted position needed for flexible cable insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of pusher actuationVSAvoidability to lock in retracted position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control button incorporates a locking mechanism that can be switched between a locked state (maintaining retracted position) and an unlocked state (freely movable). This dynamic state change allows the terminal to adapt between two operational modes: one for flexible cables where the pusher is locked retracted to avoid elastic strip bending, and another for conventional cables where the pusher moves freely for normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the pusher is locked in retracted position for flexible cable insertion, then flexible cables can be inserted without bending the elastic strip, but the pusher cannot be actuated for normal cable connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate flexible cablesVSAvoidability to actuate pusher for cable connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If the control key housing is made compact, then the device structure is simplified, but the control key cannot assume a distinct locked position relative to the housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of control key housingVSAvoidability of control key to assume locked position

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control key and its housing are designed with asymmetric features including a cam profile and corresponding cam surface. The control key has an asymmetric shape with a cam portion that interacts with an asymmetric cam surface in the housing, allowing the key to assume distinct angular positions (locked and unlocked) relative to the housing while maintaining a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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

This design enhances the device's usability by allowing flexible cable insertion without straining the elastic strip, ensuring secure contact and easy operation, while maintaining the ability to return to conventional operation modes.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic lamella comprising a holding edge, which elastic lamella faces said introduction orifice and faces a contact portion of a conductive element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a pusher associated with said elastic lamella, configured to bear against said elastic lamella and drive the holding edge of said elastic lamella away from said contact portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3343703B1Electrical apparatus comprising at least an automatic connection terminal

Publication Date: 2023.05.17 LEGRAND FRANCE SA

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AI summary

This device includes a push button configured to move a springy strip away from a contact portion, thereby allowing a conductor cable in place in the automatic connection terminal to be withdrawn. The push button and walls in the device housing (10) that define a recess containing a button (32) of the push button are configured such that the button (32) is movable relative to the rest of the push button between a nominal relative position and a relative locking position that the button (32) can assume when the push button is in the retracted position, with the push button being freely movable between said extended and retracted positions when the button (32) is in its nominal relative position, and with the push button being held in the retracted position when the button (32) is in its relative locking position.