Screwless Wire Termination Assembly for Vibration-Resistant Motor Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical wire terminations in multi-pole devices, such as motor disconnect switches, are time-consuming due to screw-based connections and prone to loosening under vibration, requiring precise torque control.
Innovation Solution
A screwless wire termination assembly with a clamping member that moves between closed and open positions using an activating member, allowing easy wire insertion and secure clamping perpendicular to the wire axis, facilitated by a biasing mechanism like a spring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw-based wire termination is used, then wire connection strength is achieved, but installation time increases and connections may loosen under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the screw fastening mechanism from the wire termination assembly, extracting only the essential clamping function. The clamping member directly engages the wire without requiring separate screw fasteners, thereby eliminating installation time while maintaining connection reliability through the spring-loaded clamping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire termination assembly is designed to be self-actuating through the spring-loaded clamping member. When the actuating member is depressed, the clamping member automatically engages and secures the wire between the clamp brace and wire press member without requiring external torque application or manual tightening, thus reducing installation time while ensuring reliable connection.
2Reliability
If screw-based wire termination is used, then wire connection strength is achieved, but the connections are sensitive to torque requirements and may loosen under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded clamping member automatically adjusts to the wire and applies consistent clamping force without requiring the installer to control torque. The spring mechanism self-regulates the clamping pressure, eliminating the need for precise torque control and preventing loosening under vibration through continuous elastic force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the clamping force parameter from a fixed torque-dependent value to a spring-loaded variable force that automatically adapts to the wire. This parameter change eliminates torque sensitivity and vibration-induced loosening by using elastic deformation to maintain consistent clamping pressure.
3Reliability
If screw-based wire termination is used, then electrical integrity is maintained, but the complexity of the termination assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wire clamping function and the fastening function into a single integrated clamping member assembly. The clamping member, spring, clamp brace, and wire press member work together as one unit, eliminating the need for separate screws and clamps, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining electrical integrity through reliable wire contact.
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
Facilitates faster installation and secure wire connection, reducing the risk of loosening due to vibrations, while maintaining electrical integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping member can include a spring that is configured to urge the clamping member toward the closed position
Implementation Method 2
The cam surface is configured to engage a lobes of the spring such that rotation of the activating member in a first direction causes the cam surface to move the lobes applying a mechanical load on the spring
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-pole or multi-phase electrical wiring devices that incorporate clamp-type wire termination assemblies are described. The electrical wiring devices include multi-pole motor switches. The electrical wiring devices include a plurality of wire termination assemblies. Each wire termination assembly includes a wire terminal and an activating member.