Offset Web Contact Frame for Compact Electrical Terminals

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection terminals for electrical conductors are bulky and require complex assembly processes, with clamping points interfering with each other, making them space-inefficient and difficult to assemble securely.

Innovation Solution

A compact connection terminal design featuring an insulating body with a contact frame and spring element, where the contact frame has offset webs and spring legs that can be bent differently, allowing for independent operation of pusher buttons and secure conductor clamping without separate return springs, and insertion holes arranged to facilitate easy conductor insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional connection terminals are used with multiple clamping points, then electrical connection functionality is provided, but the terminal becomes bulky and clamping points interfere with each other

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal sizeVSAvoidsecure contacting
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The contact frame is divided into multiple independent clamping units, each with its own spring element and contact point. These segmented units are arranged along the contact frame web, allowing each to operate independently without interfering with others, thus maintaining reliability while reducing overall terminal size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact frame is designed with a web structure that extends in multiple dimensions, allowing clamping points to be distributed along the length of the web rather than concentrated in a single plane. This dimensional arrangement prevents interference between clamping points while maintaining a compact terminal footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional assembly methods are used for contact parts, then electrical connection is achieved, but assembly process is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The contact part is merged with the contact frame through direct integration, where the contact part forms an integral part of the contact frame structure. This eliminates separate assembly steps for securing contact parts, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact frame web serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, positions multiple clamping points, and integrates the contact parts. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and assembly operations needed, improving ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If separate return springs are used for each clamping point, then independent operation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent clamping operationVSAvoidnumber of spring elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple spring elements are merged into a single continuous spring structure that runs along the contact frame web. This unified spring provides independent clamping force at multiple points through its segmented contact legs, achieving independent operation without requiring separate return springs for each clamping point

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single continuous spring element performs multiple functions: it provides return force for all clamping points, maintains contact pressure at multiple locations, and allows independent deflection at each contact point. This multi-functional design achieves independent operation while reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The design results in a space-saving, easy-to-assemble connection terminal that ensures secure conductor clamping without interference between clamping points, suitable for applications like LED connections, with improved manufacturing efficiency and reduced terminal size.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element (5) interacting with the contact frame (4), wherein the contact frame (4) is provided with at least one contact frame web (30, 31) with adjoining legs (33, 34), wherein the spring element (5) has an arm (27) and wherein spring legs (23-26) are arranged directly or indirectly at the end of the arm (27)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2656445B1Connection terminal or connecting terminal for electrical conductors
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2656445B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP2656445B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2656445B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to a connection terminal or connecting terminal for electrical conductors (8), for electrically connecting at least one conductor and an electrical contact element, comprising an insulating body (2), in which the contact element is arranged, wherein the contact element has at least one contact frame (4) and a spring element (5) that interacts with the contact frame (4), wherein the contact frame (4) is provided with at least one web having connected legs (33, 34), wherein the spring element (5) has an arm (27) and wherein spring legs (23, 24, 25, 26) are arranged indirectly or directly on the end of the arm (27), wherein an upper contact frame web (30) and a lower contact frame web (31) are provided on the contact frame (4) and arranged at an offset from each other and connected by means of an offset web (32), and wherein the arm (27) of the spring element (5) is arranged transversely and lies on the offset web (32) and is additionally held in the height position thereof by at least one guiding element (41; 42; 43; 44) or alternatively between guiding elements (41; 42; 43; 44). The invention further relates to a lamp having a connection terminal or connecting terminal according to the invention.