Push-In Connector Insert for Fast Flexible Wire Grounding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing push-in wiring technologies are limited in their ability to handle flexible conducting wires and have complex, costly structures, making them inefficient and difficult to manufacture for use in electrical connections.

Innovation Solution

A push-in insert with a protective grounding assembly featuring an inverted V-shaped spring and hollow actuator, allowing for easy insertion and locking of both rigid and flexible conducting wires, providing a simple and cost-effective solution for electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw wiring method is used, then electrical connections can be established, but the process is time-consuming, effortful and screws may loosen during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidwiring time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screw tightening mechanism with a spring-based clamping mechanism. The spring element automatically clamps the conducting wire when the actuator is pressed, eliminating the need for screw tightening while providing reliable mechanical connection. This substitution resolves the contradiction by achieving both quick connection (reducing time loss) and stable connection (preventing loosening during transport).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If existing push-in technology is used, then wiring speed is improved, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring speedVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the protective grounding function and the electrical connection function into a single integrated assembly. The protective grounding element is merged with the contact assembly, eliminating the need for separate components. This merging reduces structural complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining the fast wiring capability of push-in technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: electrical connection, protective grounding, and mechanical clamping. The spring element serves both as a clamping mechanism for the conducting wire and as a protective grounding element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining high wiring productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If existing push-in contact is used, then wiring is simplified, but it can only insert rigid conducting wire and the protective grounding element is structurally complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring simplicityVSAvoidwire type compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic spring-based clamping mechanism that can adapt to different wire types. The spring element can flex and adjust its clamping force, allowing it to securely hold both rigid and flexible conducting wires. This dynamic mechanism maintains wiring simplicity while significantly improving adaptability to different wire types compared to rigid clamping structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If complex protective grounding element is used, then grounding function is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrounding reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protective grounding element is merged with the contact assembly components, particularly utilizing the spring element for dual purposes. This integration eliminates the need for separate complex grounding components, reducing manufacturing steps and costs while ensuring reliable grounding connection through the same spring-based clamping mechanism that secures the conducting wire.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 fast, reliable, and shock-resistant connections for both rigid and flexible conducting wires, ensuring long-term stability and reducing manufacturing costs with a structurally simple design.

Implementation Method 1

when the pressing force is released, the spring can simultaneously perform a pivoting motion and move vertically against the mating direction due to elasticity thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240380141A1Push-in insert and connector comprising same

Publication Date: 2024.11.14 HARTING ELECTRIC STIFTUNG & CO KG

AI summary

A push-in insert for a connector includes a main body, multiple push-in contact assemblies and a retaining plate, and at least one push-in protective grounding assembly arranged on a side wall of the insert, and a protective conductor being connectable onto the protective grounding assembly. A connector includes the push-in insert. Thus, simple, fast, reliable and shock-resistant connections of a protective conducting wire and an electrical conducting wire are achieved, being suited to installation of not only rigid conducting wire but also flexible conducting wire.