Pivoting Electrical Terminal With Spring-Locked Orientation Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical terminals lack flexibility in orientation and adjustment, requiring separate brackets or loose parts for reorientation, which complicates intuitive operation and increases mechanical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sided electrical terminal with a base element and mounting element connected via a pivot bearing unit, allowing the base element to pivot about an axis of rotation, enabling adjustment of the terminal's orientation without tools and using a spring element for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed orientation mounting is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability of the sensor orientation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a pivot bearing unit that enables the base element to rotate dynamically between a first rest position and a second rest position. This allows the sensor orientation to be adjusted from 0° to 90° relative to the mounting plate, transforming a static fixed-orientation mounting into a dynamic adjustable system. The pivot bearing unit with rotation capability provides continuous orientability while maintaining structural integration, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a separate mounting plate with fastening means is used, then the orientation adjustability is improved, but the handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting plate, base element, and fastening means into a single integrated electrical terminal device. The mounting plate is formed as an integral part of the housing, and the base element is directly connected to it via the pivot bearing unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate detachable mounting plates and external fastening elements, reducing the number of components and simplifying handling while maintaining the 90° orientation adjustment capability through the integrated pivot mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for orientation adjustment, then the orientation flexibility is improved, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot bearing unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the rotation axis enabling 90° orientation change, provides structural connection between the base element and mounting plate, and incorporates a spring element for automatic positioning and vibration damping. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, locking devices, and damping components, achieving high orientation flexibility with minimal mechanical complexity.
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 allows for intuitive and flexible adjustment of the terminal's position and orientation, reducing mechanical complexity and eliminating the need for separate brackets, while maintaining secure attachment and minimizing vibration and noise.
Implementation Method 1
the rotary bearing unit comprising a spring element and being designed and mounted in such a way that a spring force acts on the base surface in the direction of the contact surface or the contact plane by means of the spring element. The base element is lifted from its rest position by the mounting element, so that the base surface of the base element is spaced away from the contact surface of the mounting element or the mounting body. This constitutes the adjustment position in which the base element can be pivoted around the axis of rotation. During this lifting and holding in the adjustment position, the spring element exerts a restoring spring force in the direction of the rest position.
Data Source
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AI summary
Electrical terminal device comprising a multi-sided housing with a base element comprising at least two rear sides and a head element, which is designed as a sensing and/or functional element and comprises a sensing and/or functional side, and a mounting element with a mounting body having at least two side surfaces, a base side and an inner wall, and two rear sides, wherein the mounting element and/or the mounting body is connected to the base element via a rotary bearing unit having an axis of rotation, wherein the base element is pivotable about the axis of rotation, and i) the base element has a one- or multi-part base surface, and ii) the mounting element and/or the mounting body has a one- or multi-part support surface, wherein the base surface and the support surface, in a rest position of the base element, bear against each other with at least a partial surface, and the at least one partial surface spans a theoretical contact plane.which is inclined at an angle to the detection and/or functional side and/or a rear side, and wherein the axis of rotation is oriented perpendicular to the theoretical contact plane, the support surface and/or the base surface, wherein the basic element is displaceable from the rest position in the direction of the axis of rotation and can be brought into an adjustment position, and wherein the rotary bearing unit comprises a spring element and is designed and mounted in such a way that a spring force acts on the base surface in the direction of the contact surface and/or the contact plane by means of the spring element.