Quick-Connect Stirrup for Electrical Switchgear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting electrical switching devices are time-consuming and prone to loosening due to the use of screws or require specific products with intermediate connections, which can limit the use of connection cables.
Innovation Solution
A quick connection means with two ends that rotate from an interlocking to a locking position, featuring slots and contact arms to secure and make electrical contact with the connection terminal, allowing for rapid and secure connections without specific product adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connection cables are fixed to electrical devices by screws, then the connection is secure, but the implementation time is significant and there are risks of loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means employs a dynamic quick-connect mechanism where the stirrup rotates from an open position to a locked position around the connection terminal. This rotational movement enables rapid connection without requiring multiple screw tightening operations, thereby significantly reducing implementation time while maintaining secure electrical contact through the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional screw-based mechanical fastening system with a quick-connect rotational locking system. The connection means integrates both mechanical locking and electrical contact functions into a single component that secures to the terminal through rotation, eliminating the need for separate screw tightening operations and reducing connection time
2Loss of time
If elastic spring connections are used, then the connection is rapid, but specific products with intermediate connections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means is designed as a universal interface that can connect to standard connection terminals on electrical devices. The stirrup structure with its clamping volume and contact surfaces is configured to accommodate conventional terminal geometries, enabling compatibility across different device types without requiring specialized intermediate connection components
Solution Approach 2:
The connection means serves as an intermediary component that bridges two electrical devices through standard connection terminals. Rather than requiring specialized products, the universal stirrup design acts as a mediator that adapts to conventional terminal interfaces, maintaining product versatility while enabling rapid connection
3Reliability
If multiple screws are used for three-pole devices, then the connection is secure, but the implementation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the stirrup simultaneously provides mechanical securing through its clamping volume, establishes electrical contact through its contact surfaces, and enables rapid connection through rotational movement. This consolidation replaces multiple screw operations with a single quick-connect action, significantly improving connection speed while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotational mechanism allows the connection means to transition from an open installation position to a locked connection position in a single motion. This dynamic approach replaces the static, multi-step screw tightening process with a swift rotational action that secures the connection rapidly while maintaining mechanical strength and electrical contact
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~7B
AI summary
The unit (10) has a clamp comprising volume delimited by two contact surfaces electrically moving with respect to each other by a thumb screw, where two ends (1) of the unit are fixed with the clamp. The ends of the unit are arranged to adopt a position of fitment on the thumb screw of the clamp of a bridging-over terminal, and a locking position for locking the unit with the clamp, where the locking position is obtained from the position of fitment after rotation of the unit around a longitudinal axis through a swing angle. An independent claim is also included for a method for connecting two shutting-off devices.