Rotary-Actuated Conductor Terminal With Low-Friction Spring Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conductor terminals with pushbutton actuation lack ergonomic and intuitive operation, and existing mechanisms are not cost-effective or easy to implement, with friction issues and separate fastening elements required.
Innovation Solution
A rotatably supported actuating element with a contact part and feed mechanism that converts rotational movement into a pushing movement, featuring a gate pin guide and locking mechanism for automatic holding in the open position, minimizing friction and allowing cost-effective manufacturing with separate components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pushbutton actuation mechanism is used, then the conductor terminal can be operated manually, but the operation is not ergonomic or intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is designed to rotate around a first rotation axis, converting rotational motion into linear pushing motion. This dynamic mechanism allows ergonomic rotary operation while maintaining functional simplicity, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the actuation direction from linear (pushbutton) to rotational (around first rotation axis), adding a dimensional aspect to the operation. This dimensional change enables more ergonomic hand operation while keeping the internal mechanism relatively simple.
2Ease of operation
If a rotatable actuating element with feed mechanism is used, then ergonomic operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is divided into separate functional parts: an actuating part that rotates around the first rotation axis, and a contact part that performs the pushing motion. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, improving intuitiveness while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed mechanism acts as an intermediary between the rotational actuating part and the linearly moving contact part. It converts rotational motion into pushing motion, enabling ergonomic operation while isolating the complexity of the conversion mechanism from both the user interface and the clamping function.
3Reliability
If the contact part is rotatably fixedly supported, then friction effects are minimized, but the coupling with actuating part becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The contact part is separated into a rotatably fixedly supported component that interfaces with the actuating part. This segmentation allows the contact part to rotate with the actuating element while maintaining a fixed support point, minimizing friction during the pushing motion while keeping the coupling mechanism manageable.
4Ease of manufacture
If the actuating element is designed as separate components, then manufacturing cost is reduced and assembly is simplified, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is designed as separate components (actuating part and contact part) that can be manufactured independently and assembled. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while the coupling mechanism maintains sufficient structural integrity for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating mechanism is designed so that the separate components self-align and self-secure through the coupling mechanism, reducing the need for additional fastening elements and maintaining structural integrity through the inherent design of the coupling interface.
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 an ergonomic, intuitive, and cost-effective actuation mechanism with reduced friction, enabling easy assembly and reliable operation of the conductor terminal, ensuring secure clamping of electrical conductors while preventing undesirable short-circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-force clamping connection for connecting an electrical conductor, the spring-force clamping connection having a busbar and a clamping spring
Implementation Method 2
the actuating element can have an actuating part, which is rotatably supported around a first rotation axis and coupled with the contact part, with the aid of which the pushing movement of the contact part in a push direction (S) may be generated with the aid of a rotational movement of the actuating part
Data Source
AI summary
A conductor terminal, including at least one spring-force clamping connection for connecting an electrical conductor, the spring-force clamping connection having a busbar and a clamping spring, The clamping spring having a clamping leg, which, together with the busbar, forms a clamping point for the electrical conductor, and including an actuating element, the actuating element having a displaceably supported contact part, and the clamping point being able to be opened by a pushing movement of the contact part oriented in the direction of the clamping leg, the actuating element including an actuating part, rotatably supported around a first rotation axis and coupled with the contact part, by means of which the pushing movement of the contact part may be generated with the aid of a rotational movement of the actuating part.