Rotate-to-Open Clamping Unit for Stable Terminal Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamping units have poor stability during the opening operation due to a mismatch between the linear displacement path of the opening button and the passive displacement path of the tongue piece, which interferes with the insertion or removal of conductive members.
Innovation Solution
A rotate-to-open clamping unit is designed with an elastic member and a rotate-to-open member, where the rotate-to-open member is rotated relative to the elastic member using an extending distal end as an axis, allowing the moveable elastic arm to be displaced and enabling the conductive member to be clamped or released between the elastic arm and the conductive terminal, thereby improving stability and preventing the extending arms from closing in.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the opening button is used to drive the tongue piece to be displaced linearly between two support arms, then the opening operation can be performed, but the stability of the opening button being displaced relative to the clamping spring is poor and the two support arms may close in interfering with conductive member insertion or removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional linear displacement mechanism by implementing a rotate-to-open mechanism. Instead of the opening button moving linearly to drive the tongue piece, the opening button now rotates about an axis, and this rotational motion is converted into the necessary displacement of the moveable elastic arm and tongue piece. This inversion resolves the stability issue by providing a more controlled and stable rotational movement path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear displacement to two-dimensional rotational motion. The opening button is configured to rotate about an axis rather than move linearly, adding a dimensional aspect to the opening mechanism. This dimensional change allows for better stability control and prevents the support arms from closing in, as the rotational path maintains proper spacing between components.
2Ease of operation
If the opening button drives the tongue piece with a linear displacement path different from the passive displacement path, then the opening function is achieved, but the stability during displacement is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the displacement mechanism from linear to rotational. The opening button rotates about an axis instead of moving linearly, and this rotational motion is transmitted to drive the tongue piece and moveable elastic arm. This inversion creates a more stable and reliable displacement path that better aligns with the passive displacement path of the components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the motion parameter from linear displacement to rotational displacement. By changing the fundamental nature of the motion parameter, the system achieves both the opening function and improved stability during displacement. The rotational motion provides a more consistent and predictable displacement path for the tongue piece.
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 rotate-to-open design enhances stability during operation by ensuring the rotation path of the rotate-to-open member aligns with the displacement path of the elastic arm, preventing interference with conductive member insertion or removal and maintaining a clear space for operation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member, having a moveable elastic arm, a leaning connection arm and a pivotal connection space formed through a bending process
Data Source
AI summary
A rotate-to-open clamping unit and a connection device having the same are disclosed. The connection device includes a housing and plural clamping unit disposed in the housing. The clamping unit includes an elastic member and a rotate-to-open member. The elastic member is leaned by a conductive terminal and has a moveable elastic arm and a pivotal connection space. The rotate-to-open member has an extending arm formed with an extending distal end pivoted in the pivotal connection space. The rotate-to-open member is rotated with the extending distal end served as an axis, the rotate-to-open member in a rotating status is able to drive the moveable elastic arm to be displaced so as to be opened, so that a conductive member can be elastically clamped or released between the moveable elastic arm and the conductive terminal.