Locking Terminal Clamp Cable Assembly for Battery Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable assemblies with spring loaded clamps are bulky and prone to dislodging from battery terminals, leading to potential shorting issues.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of locking terminal clamp cable assemblies featuring modified locking pliers with an adapter screw and adjuster screw, which replace traditional adjustment mechanisms, providing secure attachment to battery terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spring loaded clamps are used in conventional cable assemblies, then the clamps can be easily attached to battery terminals, but they become bulky and difficult to attach to standard and side-post battery terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into separate functional components: a jaw assembly for gripping, an adjuster screw for size adjustment, and a locking mechanism with cam lever. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall bulk while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp transitions from a static spring-loaded design to a dynamic adjustable design where the jaw spacing can be modified via the adjuster screw to fit different terminal sizes, eliminating the need for multiple bulky clamp sizes.
2Force
If spring loaded clamps are used in conventional cable assemblies, then the clamps can provide holding force, but they are susceptible to becoming dislodged from battery terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The adjuster screw is used beforehand to set the precise jaw spacing and gripping force before the locking mechanism is engaged. This preliminary adjustment ensures optimal contact with the terminal, preventing dislodging during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lever locking mechanism automatically secures the jaw assembly in the adjusted position through a self-locking cam action, maintaining constant holding force without requiring continuous external force or complex spring mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cable clamps are used, then they can be attached to battery terminals, but they are difficult to attach to standard and side-post battery terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed as a universal fitting that can accommodate various terminal types (standard and side-post) through adjustable jaw spacing controlled by the adjuster screw, eliminating the need for different clamp designs for different terminal types.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustability of the jaw spacing allows the clamp to adapt to different terminal geometries and sizes, making it versatile across multiple terminal types while simplifying the attachment process through a single standardized interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking terminal clamp cable assembly including a pair of locking pliers, an adapter screw threaded into the locking pliers and including a threaded bore, an adjuster screw threaded into the threaded bore and configured to adjust the locking pliers, a cable lug having a ring portion positioned between the adapter screw and a jam nut, and a cable connected to the cable lug.