Rotary Spring-Clamp Wire Terminal for Fast AC Wire Termination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiring devices face challenges in quickly and easily securing line-voltage AC electrical wires due to complex termination mechanisms and limited space within the devices.
Innovation Solution
The proposed wiring device incorporates a wire terminal with a rotary actuator and a spring clamp, allowing for quick and secure installation of electrical wires. The actuator rotates between two positions, enlarging the wire receiving space in the second position for easy insertion and reducing it in the first position to securely retain the wire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional terminal screw mechanism is used, then the wire termination is secure and reliable, but the installation process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spring clamp mechanism that can transition between open and closed states. The spring-loaded clamp is biased to automatically grip the wire, eliminating the need for manual screw tightening while maintaining secure electrical connection. This dynamic mechanism significantly reduces installation time compared to static screw terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clamp is designed with self-gripping capability through its biased configuration. Once the wire is inserted into the terminal, the spring automatically clamps down on the wire without requiring additional manual intervention or tools. This self-service mechanism simplifies the termination process while ensuring reliable wire retention.
2Ease of operation
If the wire receiving space is always enlarged for easy wire insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the space utilization within the device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wire receiving space is made dynamic through the spring clamp mechanism. The space is enlarged only when necessary for wire insertion, then automatically returns to a compact closed state after the wire is secured. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both ease of operation and space utilization at different stages of the termination process.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clamp is pre-biased to automatically engage the wire upon insertion. The wire receiving space is temporarily enlarged by the spring's initial bias, allowing easy wire placement, then the spring's elastic force automatically reduces the space to secure the wire firmly without requiring additional space.
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
This solution significantly reduces installation time and enhances the ease of use by allowing for quick and secure termination of electrical wires, even in confined spaces within the wiring device.
Implementation Method 1
a spring clamp including an opening, the opening at least partially defining an electrical wire receiving space to selectively receive an electrical wire
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to wire terminals and/or termination mechanisms arranged and configured for use with a wiring device. In particular, the present disclosure relates to wire terminals utilizing an actuator and a spring clamp. In some embodiments, the actuator is a rotary actuator. In use, in the second position, the actuator contacts an extended leg of the spring clamp to manipulate the spring clamp to facilitate insertion of an electrical wire therein. In the first position, the spring clamp secures the wire within the device and in contact with the electrical terminal of the wiring device. In some embodiments, the wiring device is selected from one of a plug and connector type device or a pin and sleeve type device.