Quick-Coupling Electrical Connector for Battery Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connections for connecting and disconnecting wires from accumulator terminals require the use of special tools, can cause damage due to mechanical force, and are costly due to multiple screws and nuts, with high effort needed for lever-based connections.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection using a C-shaped clamp with a quick coupling and release mechanism between male and female connector elements, allowing easy axial coupling and disconnection without tools, using elastic tabs for mechanical and electrical continuity, reducing the force required to approximately ten Newtons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw/nut tightening means are used to fix clamps to accumulator terminals, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the disconnection requires special tools and may cause damage to the clamp or terminal
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate elements: a male connector element with a C-shaped clamp and a female connector element. This segmentation allows the male element to be easily detached from the terminal while the female element remains fixed, enabling tool-free disconnection without compromising connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The male connector element is designed to be movable and detachable, transitioning between a locked connected state and a free disconnected state. This dynamic design allows easy removal and reattachment without tools, while the locked state ensures reliable connection during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple screws and nuts are used on the clamp to connect multiple wires, then the connection capacity increases, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The female connector element is designed with multiple connection points or a universal interface that can accommodate multiple male connector elements simultaneously. This allows a single clamp structure to connect multiple wires without requiring additional screws or nuts for each wire, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Productivity
If a lever locking device is used for quick connection, then the connection speed increases, but the effort required to tighten or loosen the clamp becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into a permanently fixed female connector element on the terminal and a separately attachable male connector element. This eliminates the need for lever mechanisms or high-force locking, as the male element can be simply snapped or clipped onto the female element with minimal effort, maintaining quick connection speed without requiring high force.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp is removed from the terminal to disconnect wires, then the wire connection can be changed, but the clamp and terminal may be damaged due to repeated mechanical force
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into a fixed female element that remains on the terminal and a movable male element that attaches to it. To change wire connections, only the male element needs to be detached and reattached to different female elements, eliminating repeated removal and installation of the entire clamp from the terminal and preventing damage to the terminal and clamp.
Solution Approach 2:
The male connector element is designed to be easily self-detached and self-attached to different female connector elements without requiring tools or excessive force. This self-service capability enables frequent wire reconfigurations while protecting the terminal and clamp structure from mechanical damage.
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 rapid and tool-free connection and disconnection of wires, preventing damage and reducing manufacturing costs, making the connection safer and easier to use by any operator, especially in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
using elastic tabs for mechanical and electrical continuity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is an electrical connection (1; 20; 30; 40; 50; 70; 90) comprising a clamp (2) provided with means (3) for fastening to the terminal (P) of an electric accumulator; one or more electric wires (C) that connect the clamp (2) to one or more functions; means (5) for joining each electric wire (C) to the clamp (2). Each joining means (5) comprises: a male connector element (7; 37; 47; 57; 67; 87; 97) and a female connector element (8; 38; 48; 58; 68; 88; 98) which are coupled to each other through contact means (9; 39; 49; 59; 69) with quick pressure coupling and release mechanism.