Sensor Cable Clamping With Snap-Action Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamping devices for electrically connecting cables to electrodes lack intuitive handling and provide uncertain feedback during operation, leading to potential misalignment and increased operator strain.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a holding element and counter-holding element that utilize a 'cracking frog' mechanism, providing a snap action effect for clear feedback and reduced operator effort, where the holding surface changes abruptly from a closed to an open position upon reaching a snap point, allowing for digital actuation and easy maintenance of the open state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional clamping device is used, then the cable can be electrically connected to the electrical contact, but the handling is not intuitive and provides uncertain feedback during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a snap-action mechanism where the holding element abruptly changes from a first position to a second position at a snap point, providing clear tactile and visual feedback to the operator. This snap action occurs when the restoring force increases until the snap point is reached, then drops, creating an unmistakable indication that the clamping device has opened, thereby eliminating uncertainty about the device state.
2Reliability
If a conventional clamping device is used, then the cable can be connected, but intermediate positions may occur leading to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing gradual movement between closed and open positions, the patent inverts the approach by designing the holding element to jump abruptly between two discrete positions. The snap action causes the holding surface to transition suddenly from the first position (for clamping reception) to the second position (for release), eliminating intermediate positions that could cause misalignment or uncertainty about the device state.
3Ease of operation
If the holding element is designed for smooth movement, then actuation is easy, but clear feedback and snap action are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the holding element's movement characteristic from smooth/gradual to abrupt/snap-action. By designing the holding element with a snap point where the restoring force increases until a critical threshold is reached and then drops, the system transitions from continuous position control to discrete position jumping, providing clear feedback while maintaining ease of actuation through the snap mechanism.
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 'cracking frog' mechanism enhances handling by providing immediate and clear feedback on the clamping device's state, reducing operator strain and preventing unwanted intermediate positions, thus improving user experience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The holding element (30) can be elastically deformed by an actuation, in particular by an actuation pressing on the holding element, with an actuation force such that a position of the holding surface (31) relative to the counter-holding surface (41) can be changed
Implementation Method 2
a restoring force counteracting the actuating force increases until the snap point is reached, whereby when the snap point is reached, the holding surface (31) abruptly changes from the first position to the second position and the restoring force drops
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device and a sensor cable with such a clamping device. The clamping device includes a holding element (30) with a holding surface (31), and a counter-holding element (40) with a counter-holding surface (41). The holding surface (31) and the counter-holding surface (41) are arranged to clampingly receive the electrical contact (20) therebetween. The holding element (30) is elastically deformable by actuation with an actuating force (F, F2) in such a way that a position of the holding surface (31) relative to the counter-holding surface (41) is variable between a first position (p1) for clamping reception of the electrical contact (20) and a second position (p2) for release of the electrical contact (20).