Segmented Contacting Device for Rapid Grounding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors require time-consuming and error-prone soldering or screwing of grounding and protective conductors during assembly, which complicates the installation process and increases the risk of errors.

Innovation Solution

A contacting device with a first and second receiving channel for electrical conductors, featuring a conductive connection point and a bendable conductor that can be easily connected to other connector components, allowing for quick and secure grounding or protective conductor connections using common tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If grounding and protective conductors are connected using soldering or screwing during assembly, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but assembly time increases and error probability increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The contacting device is segmented into multiple contacting sections (first contacting section, second contacting section) with separate receiving channels for different conductors. This allows independent insertion and connection of grounding and protective conductors without interfering with each other, enabling parallel assembly operations that reduce total assembly time while maintaining reliable electrical connections through dedicated connection points for each segment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a conductor as an intermediary element that bridges the contacting sections and the holding frame. The conductor with connection points serves as a mediator that simplifies the connection process by providing pre-prepared connection interfaces, eliminating the need for complex soldering or screwing operations at the assembly site while ensuring reliable electrical connection between the grounding/protective conductors and the holding frame

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If grounding and protective conductors are connected using soldering or screwing, then secure electrical connection is achieved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection securityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The contacting device is designed with self-aligning features including a flange that serves as a stop surface and collars on contacting sections that guide conductor insertion. These self-service features automatically position the conductors and contacting sections correctly during assembly, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or specialized tools, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining secure electrical connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The contacting device incorporates multiple receiving channels and contacting sections that can accommodate different types of conductors (grounding conductor, protective conductor) and electrical contacts within a single integrated structure. This universal design allows the same device to handle multiple connection tasks simultaneously, reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps required, thereby simplifying the overall assembly process while ensuring secure connections for all conductors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiple contacting sections are integrated in one device, then assembly efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidcontacting device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The contacting sections are designed with asymmetric features including a flange on one side that serves as a stop surface for insertion, and collars at specific positions to guide conductor placement. This asymmetric design provides built-in guidance and positioning that simplifies the assembly process, allowing multiple contacting sections to be integrated efficiently without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the asymmetric features self-regulate the assembly process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3709454B1Contacting device
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 LAPP ENG
  • EP3709454B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3709454B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3709454B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A contacting device (1) comprising a first contacting section (11), which preferably has a first receiving channel (110), and a second contacting section (12) preferably arranged axially to the first contacting section (11), which preferably has a second receiving channel (120) and is electrically connected to the first contacting section (11). According to the invention, the contacting device (1) comprises a conductor (15), the first end (151) of which is electrically connected to the first contacting section (11) or the second contacting section (12) via a connection point (16).