Pivotable Spring Element for Shield Conductor Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional contacting devices for shield conductors are complex, costly, and prone to damage due to their structure, which complicates reliable and long-term grounding in aggressive environments.
Innovation Solution
A contacting device with a pivotable spring element made from spring steel, featuring a curved clamping limb that nests the shield conductor for a flat contact and is latched to the housing for secure clamping, allowing easy operation and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional contacting devices are used, then grounding function is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring element, clamping limb, and actuating limb into a single integrated component that is pivotally mounted on the housing. This merging of multiple functions into one element reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining the grounding reliability through the elastic clamping action and pivotable operation.
2Reliability
If conventional contacting devices are used, then grounding function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated spring element design reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried. The single pivotable element can be produced as one stamped or formed part, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while preserving grounding reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides elastic clamping force for reliable contact, acts as a mechanical linkage through pivotal motion, and enables easy operation through the actuating limb. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, lowering manufacturing costs.
3Reliability
If rigid clamping is used, then contact stability is achieved, but conductor damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the elastic properties of the spring element to change the contact parameters from rigid fixed-force clamping to flexible adaptive clamping. The spring element automatically adjusts the clamping force based on the conductor's position and shape, maintaining stable electrical contact while preventing damage through controlled elastic deformation rather than rigid mechanical force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as a cushioning element that absorbs mechanical stresses and prevents excessive clamping forces from damaging the conductor. The elastic nature of the spring provides a buffer between the clamping mechanism and the conductor, protecting it from damage while maintaining sufficient contact pressure for reliable grounding.
4Reliability
If fixed clamping is used, then contact stability is achieved, but adaptability to shape changes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element enables the clamping force parameter to change dynamically in response to conductor shape variations, aging, or thermal expansion. Unlike fixed rigid clamps, the spring-mechanism automatically adjusts its clamping pressure to maintain stable electrical contact despite changes in conductor dimensions or position over the service life of the electrical system.
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 device provides a stable, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective solution for reliable grounding of shield conductors, accommodating shape changes and ensuring consistent contact without damaging the conductor.
Implementation Method 1
The spring element can be made of spring steel, for example, and is therefore elastic in itself, so that a clamping contact is established between the shield conductor and the grounding section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
A contacting device (1) for contacting a shielding conductor (20) of an electrical line (2) with a grounding section (3) comprises a housing (10) enclosing a receptacle space (14), into which an electrical line (2) having a shielding conductor (20) is insertable, wherein the housing (10) is attachable to a grounding section (3) in such a way that the grounding section (3) extends in the receptacle space (14). In addition, a spring element (11) arranged on the housing (10) pivotably about a pivoting axis (S) is provided, which spring element is pivotable from an opening position into a clamping position in order, in the clamping position, to contact a shielding conductor (20) of an electrical line (2) inserted into the receptacle space (14) with a grounding section (3) to which the housing (10) is attached. In this way, a contacting device is provided which enables reliable and durable contacting of a shielding conductor of an electrical line with a grounding section, for example of a busbar or a housing edge of an electrical installation (e.g. a switchgear cabinet), at the same time is simple to operate and, under certain circumstances, is also re-releasable from a clamping position.