Pump Connector Plug With Tool-Free Spring Clamp Wiring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connector plugs for pump units require external tools to establish or release a clamp, making the electrical connection process cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A connector plug design with a receptacle for an opening element that automatically opens and closes the connection terminal, allowing for easy insertion and secure clamping of connecting wires without external tools, featuring a plate-shaped opening element that acts on multiple terminals simultaneously and spring clips for secure contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw terminals with screws are used to clamp connecting wires, then secure electrical connection is achieved, but external tools are required and the connection process becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection securityVSAvoidconnection process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection terminal is designed to automatically clamp the connecting wire when the opening element is removed. The spring element provides automatic clamping force without requiring external tools, making the system self-servicing after the opening element is extracted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The opening element is inserted into the receptacle before the connecting wire is placed, preliminarily opening the clamping contact to receive the wire. This preliminary action prepares the terminal for wire insertion and subsequent automatic clamping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If screwless clamp contacts with opening elements are used, then external tools are eliminated, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool-free connectionVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The opening element combines multiple functions: it acts as a lever to open the clamping contact, guides the connecting wire into position, and its removal triggers the automatic clamping action. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping contact is designed as a dynamic spring element that automatically transitions from open to closed position. The spring element stores and releases mechanical energy to provide automatic clamping, creating a dynamic rather than static connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection terminals are provided, then multiple wires can be connected, but the risk of incorrect assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-wire connection capabilityVSAvoidassembly accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle and opening element have asymmetric geometries that allow insertion only in the correct orientation. This asymmetric design prevents incorrect assembly by making wrong insertion physically impossible, ensuring manufacturing precision for multi-wire connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

Simplifies the electrical connection process by allowing wires to be inserted without external tooling, ensuring secure clamping and preventing incorrect assembly through defined insertion and locking mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one contact element (20) is designed in the form of a spring clip (32)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2626645B1Pump assembly with an electric connector plug
Publication Date: 2016.10.26 GRUNDFOS HLDG
  • EP2626645B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2626645B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2626645B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Pump unit and associated electrical connector, which can be detachably connected to an electrical plug socket (10) of the pump unit and has a connector body (12) in which at least one electrical contact element (20) is arranged, which has a terminal (28) for receiving a connecting wire (36), wherein the connector body (12) has a receptacle (40) for an opening element (42), the opening element (42) can be removed and inserted into the receptacle (40), and the receptacle (40) is arranged relative to the terminal (28) such that, when the opening element (42) is inserted into the receptacle (40), the opening element (42) acts on the terminal (28) and holds it in an open state.