Conductor Connection Terminal With Rotary Multi-Clamp Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conductor connection terminals with spring force clamping connections often require cumbersome actuation levers for opening clamping points, which can lead to a bulky design and hinder efficient operation, especially in compact electrical connectors.
Innovation Solution
A rotary actuator mounted about an axis of rotation is used to deflect multiple clamping springs, allowing for the simultaneous opening and closing of clamping points with a single manual operation, eliminating the need for an actuation lever and enabling a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an actuation lever is used to open clamping points, then the clamping points can be opened, but the device becomes bulky and operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary actuator integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the actuating mechanism and part of the housing structure. The actuator combines the rotation mechanism, clamping spring actuation, and housing functions, eliminating the need for separate actuation levers and reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary actuator performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the operational interface for opening/closing clamping points, serves as a structural housing component, and provides the mechanical advantage needed to deflect clamping springs. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an actuation lever is used for each clamping point, then individual clamping points can be opened, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary actuator is divided into multiple functional segments or lobes, each corresponding to a specific clamping point. As the actuator rotates, different segments engage with different clamping springs sequentially, allowing individual control of multiple clamping points through a single rotating component rather than multiple separate levers.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple actuation functions are merged into a single rotary actuator component. Instead of having separate actuation levers for each clamping point, the invention combines all actuation functions into one integrated rotary mechanism that can selectively actuate different clamping springs through its rotation.
3Productivity
If a rotary actuator is used to deflect multiple clamping springs, then several clamping points can be opened simultaneously, but the mechanical design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary actuator operates through periodic rotation, where different segments of the actuator engage with different clamping springs at different phases of the rotation cycle. This periodic action allows sequential or simultaneous actuation of multiple clamping points through a simple rotating motion rather than complex coordinated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary actuator utilizes curved or circular geometries in its design, with the rotation axis and curved engagement surfaces simplifying the mechanical interaction between the actuator and clamping springs. The circular rotation path naturally provides the periodic engagement needed to actuate multiple springs.
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 rotary actuator allows for efficient and compact operation of multiple clamping points, reducing wear and tear, and providing a large gripping area for manual operation, making it suitable for small conductor cross-sections and circular connectors.
Implementation Method 1
Such actuation of the spring force clamping connection with an actuation lever is based on a lever principle
Implementation Method 2
conductor connection terminal comprising a plurality of spring force clamping connections, each of which has at least one clamping spring
Data Source
AI summary
A conductor connection terminal having several spring force clamping connections, each of which has at least one clamping spring, which form a clamping point for clamping an electrical conductor with an associated busbar piece. The invention also relates to an electrical connector having at least one such conductor connection terminal.