Spring-Loaded PCB Terminal with Rotating Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors for printed circuit boards require separate actuating parts for each conductor and can damage pin contacts when attempting to release connections, as the actuation force must be applied in a specific direction, limiting versatility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded connector with mirror-symmetrically attached torsion springs and an actuating part featuring inclined planes allows for easy connection and disconnection of electrical conductors from any direction, using a screwdriver to apply force perpendicular to the circuit board, enabling 180-degree rotation and preventing pin contact damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a translatory pusher actuating part is used to open the terminal point, then the clamping leg can be lifted from the abutment, but the actuating device can only be operated parallel to the direction of insertion of the electrical conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotational degree of freedom to the actuating part, transforming it from a purely translatory mechanism to a mechanism that combines rotation and translation. The actuating part can rotate about an axis perpendicular to the direction of insertion, allowing the actuation force to be applied from multiple directions while still achieving the same clamping leg release effect. This dimensional change resolves the contradiction by enabling both flexible actuation and adapter versatility.
2Ease of operation
If the actuating part is operated perpendicular to the pin contacts, then the force required to release the terminal legs bends the pin contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the actuating part dynamically adjustable in its orientation through rotational movement. The actuating part can adapt its angle of application relative to the pin contacts based on the specific operational need, allowing the operator to always apply force in a direction that avoids bending the pin contacts while maintaining easy accessibility from different sides of the connector.
3Ease of operation
If separate actuating parts are required for each electrical conductor, then each conductor can be controlled independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuating functions into a single actuating part that can operate on multiple clamping legs simultaneously or independently. The actuating part is designed with multiple interaction points or a geometry that allows it to engage with and release multiple terminal points in one operation, thereby reducing the number of separate actuating parts needed while maintaining the capability for individual conductor control when required.
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 quick, safe, and universal connections to printed circuit boards without overloading or bending pin contacts, allowing for easy release of electrical conductors from any plug-in position, enhancing assembly convenience and reducing wiring time.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping force for the electrical conductor is generated from the elastic clamping legs bent into the spring box
Implementation Method 2
a spring force element is arranged in the form of a torsion spring
Implementation Method 3
The actuating part acts like a wedge, which slides between the clamping leg and the abutment or busbar in order to lift the clamping leg from the abutment or from the clamped conductor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of basic electrically conducting physical connections in general. In particular, it relates to physical connections of a plurality of mutually insulated connecting elements, especially configured for printed circuit boards, the physical connection being a component of an electric connection between two or more conducting elements with direct contact using a spring. The electric terminal represents such a connection, especially from the range of terminals. The terminal is a link in printed circuit board connection technology for reliably supplying industrial electronics and facilitating economical individual wiring on printed circuit boards. The aim of the invention is to allow to rapidly and simply detach the conductor, similar to the plug'n'play technology used for plugging in the conductors. For this purpose, a clamping system according to Figure 1 is used which allows to simply and rapidly detach the conductor and which is accessible from several sides of the terminal. The advantageous accessibility of the clamping system makes it possible to always use the tools for operating the clamping system in a manner perpendicular to the surface of the printed circuit board.