Quick Connect Terminal Assembly with Insulating Sheath
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal devices for attaching conductors to electrical circuits lack secure and efficient methods to maintain electrical communication while preventing external interference, particularly in crimpless connectors and wire splices.
Innovation Solution
A terminal device with a curved portion and a retainer that compresses the conductor between them, combined with an electrically insulating sheath to ensure secure electrical communication and prevent external interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a crimpless electrical connector uses a terminal and flap spaced from the terminal to engage the conductor at an angle, then the conductor can be inserted without crimping, but the connector lacks secure compression to ensure reliable electrical communication
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed to be movable relative to the terminal, allowing it to shift position during assembly and then compress the conductor when in the correct position. This dynamic mechanism enables the connector to transition from an open state for easy insertion to a compressed state for reliable electrical communication, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If wire splices use opposing sockets with tabs to receive conductors, then the wires can be spliced together, but the assembly lacks protection from external interference
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating sheath is introduced as a protective shell that encloses the conductor and retainer assembly. This sheath provides mechanical protection and electrical insulation, preventing external interference while maintaining the ease of manufacture of the splicing operation. The sheath acts as a protective barrier without complicating the assembly process.
3Reliability
If a terminal device compresses the conductor between the terminal and retainer, then secure electrical communication is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal and retainer are designed as integrated components that work together as a unified compression mechanism. The retainer engages with the terminal in a way that combines their functions into a single operational unit, achieving reliable conductor compression without requiring multiple separate components or complex assembly steps, thus minimizing device complexity while ensuring reliability.
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
The solution provides a secure and efficient means to establish and maintain electrical communication between the conductor and the circuit, while preventing external interference, ensuring reliable connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
The retainer is biased toward the terminal to compress the conductor between the terminal and the retainer
Implementation Method 2
A sheath is positioned around the terminal and the retainer to inhibit electrical communication between the conductor and external objects
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connect terminal assembly for attaching a conductor to an electrical circuit includes a terminal which can be attached to an electrical circuit. A retainer engages the terminal which defines a conductor space between the retainer and the terminal. The conductor space insertably receives an end of a conductor. The retainer is biased toward the terminal to compress the conductor between the terminal and the retainer. Each of the retainer and the terminal is comprised of an electrically conductive material to facilitate electrical communication between the conductor and the electrical circuit. A sheath is positioned around the terminal and the retainer to inhibit electrical communication between the conductor and external objects.