Stripping-Free Terminal With Rotating Curved Cutting Edge
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting insulated electrical conductors require significant assembly forces and are time-consuming due to the difficulty in stripping the insulating material, often necessitating additional tools.
Innovation Solution
A terminal with a rotatable actuating part and a cutting contact featuring a curved cutting edge that severs the insulating material at a favorable angle, allowing for easy electrical contact without stripping, and a compact design that reduces actuation forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional stripping methods are used to remove insulating material, then electrical contact can be made with the conductor, but high assembly forces are required and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting edge is designed as a curved arc that rotates about an axis, allowing it to meet the insulating material at an advantageous angle (substantially at right angles). This curved geometry enables the cutting edge to displace the insulating material effectively along a longer cutting path, reducing the actuating forces required compared to straight cutting edges
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting contact is connected to the actuating part such that rotating the actuating part moves the cutting contact between a contacting position (where the cutting edge crosses the conductor insertion area) and a release position. This dynamic movement allows the cutting edge to sever the insulating material and make electrical contact with reduced forces
2Ease of operation
If traditional stripping tools are used, then insulating material can be removed, but additional tools are required and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal combines the functions of insulating material severing and electrical contact making into a single integrated device. The cutting contact serves both to cut through the insulation and to establish electrical contact with the conductor, eliminating the need for separate stripping tools and simplifying the overall process
3Force
If a curved cutting edge extending along an arc is used, then actuation forces are reduced and electrical contact is simplified, but the terminal design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting edge extends along an arc around the rotation axis, creating a curved cutting path that reduces actuating forces. The arc geometry allows the cutting edge to engage the insulating material at optimal angles throughout the cutting motion, distributing the required force over a longer path and reducing peak forces needed
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 enables a stripping-free connection with reduced actuation forces, simplifying the electrical contacting process and allowing for easy handling of conductors with different cross-sections, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective terminal design.
Implementation Method 1
the cutting edge, due to its curved extension around the axis of rotation, meets the insulating material of the electrical conductor at a particularly advantageous angle (e.g., at a substantially right angle). This allows the cutting edge to displace the insulating material particularly effectively without high forces having to act on the cutting contact
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a terminal (1), in particular an installation terminal, for a stripping-free connection of an electrical conductor (2), comprising at least one conductor insertion area (13) for inserting an electrical conductor (2) insulated with an insulating material into the terminal (1) in a conductor insertion direction, wherein the terminal (1) further comprises, for each conductor insertion area (13), an actuating element (50) rotatable about an axis of rotation, and a cutting contact (30) with a cutting edge (33) for cutting the insulating material and making electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2), wherein the cutting edge (33) extends along an arc around the axis of rotation, wherein the cutting contact (30) is connected to the actuating element (50) in such a way that, by rotating the actuating element (50) about the axis of rotation, the cutting contact (30) is moved between a contacting position,in which the cutting edge (33) crosses the conductor insertion area (13) for electrical contact with an inserted electrical conductor (2), and a release position in which the cutting edge (33) releases the conductor insertion area.