Ring Terminal Connection System with Spring-Biased Holding Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for connecting a ring terminal to a baseplate of a terminal block are complex and difficult to implement, often requiring a screw and nut for clamping, which complicates the process and does not ensure secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A connecting system comprising an electrical connecting member, first and second holding means, and a spring member that biases the holding means to securely attach the ring terminal, allowing for easier connection and secure holding without reliance on clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw and nut are used to clamp the ring terminal to the support tab, then the connection is mechanically secure, but the connection process becomes long and complex to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the holding function and clamping function into a single integrated connecting device. The elastic arm serves as both the holding element (replacing separate holding means) and the clamping element (replacing screw and nut), thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining secure mechanical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arm performs multiple functions: it holds the ring terminal in position, provides clamping force through its elastic deformation, and enables easy insertion and removal. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate holding means and clamping means, reducing the overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If a screw and nut clamping system is used, then the ring terminal is securely attached, but the connection process becomes difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arm is pre-loaded with elastic energy and positioned to automatically engage with the ring terminal upon insertion. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual assembly of multiple components (screw, nut, support tab), making the connection process simple and intuitive while ensuring secure attachment through the pre-tensioned elastic force.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arm automatically adjusts and secures the ring terminal through its own elastic deformation without requiring external tools or additional fastening components. The system serves itself by using the elastic potential energy stored in the arm to both hold and clamp the terminal, greatly simplifying the operation.
3Reliability
If the ring terminal is only held when clamped through the cam mechanism, then the connection is secure, but the terminal is difficult to position and hold during the connection process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the positioning/holding function from the final clamping function in time and space. The elastic arm first provides gentle holding force to position the ring terminal correctly during insertion, then progressively applies clamping force as the cam mechanism rotates. This segmentation allows easy positioning before final securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arm transitions from a flexible holding state during insertion to a rigid clamping state during securing. The dynamic adjustment of the elastic arm's stiffness and position allows it to accommodate the ring terminal easily during positioning, then firmly secure it during the cam-driven clamping operation.
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 system simplifies the connection process while ensuring secure attachment and easy detachment of the ring terminal, providing improved ease of use and reliability in connecting and disconnecting.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member configured to bias the holding means one towards the other
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting system for a ring terminal for a baseplate of a terminal block comprises holding means for the terminal, and a clamping device configured to clamp the ring terminal once the ring terminal is held. The connecting system is configured such that the ring terminal bearing against at least one of the holding means generates a relative gap of the holding means with respect to each other, and then to move the holding means closer to each other, under the bias of a spring member when the holding means are located facing the ring of the terminal, so as to hold the ring terminal.