Plug Device for Spring-Force Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spring-loaded connections often damage electrical conductors due to the hardness difference between copper-containing metals and spring steel, making it difficult to remove conductors without causing damage or requiring high force.

Innovation Solution

A plug-in device arrangement where the connection housing is detachable from the connecting sleeve, with a plug connection that remains in the spring-loaded connection, using a soft material for the plug-in connection and a crimp contact for protection, and employing latching means for secure and low-force detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a spring-loaded connection with hard spring steel clamping springs is used, then the electrical conductor is firmly clamped and good electrical conduction is ensured, but the electrical conductor is damaged by scratching and digging into the soft copper-containing metal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidconductor damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A plug-in device acts as an intermediary between the hard spring steel clamping spring and the soft copper-containing electrical conductor. The plug-in device includes a protective layer made of harder material facing the spring and a softer conductive layer facing the conductor, mediating the interaction to prevent direct damage while maintaining clamping force and electrical conduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The plug-in device is constructed with composite material structure: a first layer of harder metallic material arranged facing the clamping spring to prevent digging, and a second layer of softer, more conductive material arranged facing the electrical conductor to prevent scratching and ensure good electrical conduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If a hard spring steel clamping spring is used to firmly clamp the electrical conductor, then the connection is secure, but pulling the electrical conductor out of the spring-loaded connection becomes very difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidconductor removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plug-in device serves as a mediator that enables easy removal of the electrical conductor while maintaining stable connection during operation. The device can be actuated to release the conductor from the spring-loaded connection without requiring high pulling forces, while the spring maintains firm clamping during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the plug-in device is completely removed from the spring-loaded connection for reconfiguration, then the electrical device can be reconfigured, but the connection must be completely disconnected and reconnected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconfiguration capabilityVSAvoiddisconnection process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into three detachable components: the spring-loaded connection, the connecting sleeve with plug-in connection, and the connection housing. This allows the connection housing to be detached for reconfiguration while the plug-in connection remains in the spring-loaded connection, enabling partial disassembly for adaptability without complete disconnection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection housing is nested within the connecting sleeve, which itself is in the spring-loaded connection. This nested structure allows the outer housing to be removed for reconfiguration while the inner plug-in connection remains engaged in the spring-loaded connection, maintaining partial connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 easy and secure removal of electrical conductors from spring-loaded connections without damage, facilitating reconfiguration and temporary or permanent connections, while preventing automatic release due to vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

Spring-loaded connections have clamping springs, which are preferably made of hard spring steel and which are intended for clamping the electrical conductor inserted into the spring-loaded connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

To ensure good electrical conduction, they are preferably made of a copper-containing metal or copper

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2982010B1Plug device for a spring-force connection
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 WEIDMULLER INTERFACE GMBH & CO
  • EP2982010B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP2982010B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP2982010B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2c

AI summary

The invention relates to a plug device, in particular an interface plug device, which is intended to be inserted into a spring-force connection. The plug device has a connection housing, into which an electrical conductor is inserted, and a connecting sleeve having a plug connection arranged in the connecting sleeve. The plug device is characterized in that the connecting sleeve is detachably fastened to the connection housing. The invention further relates to an assembly of a connecting device having a spring-force connection and having a connecting sleeve of such a plug device inserted into the spring-force connection. The invention further relates to an assembly of a connecting device having a spring-force connection and having a plug device inserted into the spring-force connection.