Resilient Locking Terminal for Secure Wire Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical wiring systems face challenges in reliably and efficiently connecting electrical cables, particularly those with twisted wires, due to the need for significant manual skill and effort in securing wires to terminal blocks, which can lead to incorrect contact during fastening.
Innovation Solution
A device with a resilient locking member and lever actuation system that allows for rapid and secure connection of both single conductor wires and twisted cables, using a flexible electrical contact and a locking mechanism that ensures proper contact without requiring extensive manual dexterity, featuring a snap-locking mechanism and guide flange for easy wire alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw locking system is used to secure the conductor end to the terminal block, then the connection reliability is improved, but the installation time and manual skill requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block incorporates a resilient locking member that dynamically adapts to the conductor end during insertion. The locking member features a resilient portion that flexes to accommodate the conductor and then locks into place, providing automatic securing without requiring manual screw tightening. This dynamic mechanism maintains reliable connection while eliminating time-consuming manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal block is designed to automatically lock the conductor end through its own resilient structure. When the conductor is inserted, the resilient locking member naturally engages and secures the conductor without requiring external tools or manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the insertion action to trigger the locking mechanism, thereby improving reliability without increasing installation time.
2Reliability
If a screw locking system is used to secure the conductor end, then the connection security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block automatically performs the locking function through its resilient structure. The locking member is designed to engage the conductor end automatically upon insertion, eliminating the need for operators to manually tighten screws or perform complex manipulation. This self-securing mechanism maintains connection security while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the manual screw-tightening operation from the connection process. By removing the screw mechanism and replacing it with an automatic resilient locking system, the complex manual operation is eliminated, leaving only the simple insertion action required from the operator. This extraction of the problematic manual step improves ease of operation while maintaining connection security through the resilient locking mechanism.
3Device complexity
If a resilient locking member is used without a lever actuation device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to connect twisted cable wires deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient locking member incorporates a lever actuation device that introduces controlled dynamics to the terminal structure. The lever can be manually actuated to open the locking member, creating space for inserting twisted cable wires. After insertion, the lever is released and the resilient portion automatically closes to secure the conductors. This dynamic mechanism adds minimal complexity while significantly improving adaptability to handle both solid conductors and twisted cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever actuation device enables preliminary opening of the locking member before conductor insertion. By actuating the lever in advance, the locking member is positioned to accommodate the conductor end, whether solid or twisted. This preliminary action prepares the terminal to receive various conductor types without requiring complex structural changes, thereby improving versatility with minimal added complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If the terminal block uses a fixed locking mechanism, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional portions: a resilient portion and a locking portion. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard precision, then assembled through simple attachment. The resilient portion can be molded or formed separately, and the locking portion can be attached through conventional means. This segmentation maintains manufacturing precision for critical locking features while dramatically improving overall ease of manufacture by breaking down the assembly into manageable parts.
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 quick and reliable connection of electrical cables without specialized manual skills, ensuring secure contact and reducing assembly time while maintaining aesthetic appeal and durability, suitable for both single conductor wires and twisted cables.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient locking member (1) associated with a conductor surface (21) of the terminal (2), and designed to be resiliently deformed, so as to move from a first operating configuration, in which the wire (W) is locked on the conductor surface (21), to a second operating configuration, in which the wire (W) is secured to the terminal (2)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling electrical apparatus in an electrical wiring system and/or connecting electrical apparatus external to the electrical wiring system, comprising an operating portion designed to open/close an electrical contact and/or to receive a connector of the electrical apparatus external to the wiring system, an inlet opening designed to receive at least one electrical wire, a conductor terminal, a resilient locking member and an actuation lever. The locking member comprises an operating portion resiliently connected to the conductor terminal and on which the actuation lever may act and a locking portion in which a passage opening is formed. An edge of the passage opening is able to lock the wire when the resilient locking member is in a rest position and is moved away when the actuation lever acts on the resilient locking member. The locking portion comprises a guide end inclined towards the inlet opening which faces the inlet opening.