Single Terminal with Clamping Spring for Screwless Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing individual terminals with clamping screws are complex for users to connect electrical conductors, requiring intricate screwing processes.
Innovation Solution
A single clamp with a frame-shaped clamping body made of electrically conductive material, incorporating a clamping spring that allows easy insertion and secure clamping of electrical conductors, eliminating the need for screws and providing a direct conductive contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping screw is used to clamp the electrical conductor, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the connection process becomes complex and time-consuming for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the clamping screw from the terminal structure, replacing it with a clamping spring that provides automatic clamping action. This eliminates the need for users to manually screw in and tighten a screw, dramatically simplifying the connection process while maintaining secure electrical contact through the spring's continuous clamping force
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping spring is designed to automatically clamp the electrical conductor when inserted into the terminal. The spring's elastic force self-adjusts to maintain proper contact pressure without requiring user intervention for tightening or adjustment, making the connection process as simple as inserting the conductor
2Reliability
If a through hole with internal thread is provided for the clamping screw, then the clamping mechanism is functional, but the terminal body becomes more complex in design and manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the threaded through-hole feature from the terminal body design. Instead of incorporating threads and a hole for screw mounting, the terminal body is designed with a simple recess or opening that accommodates the clamping spring, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the clamping function
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping spring is integrated directly into the terminal body structure, combining the clamping mechanism with the terminal housing. This integration eliminates the need for separate threaded holes and screw fastening features, simplifying both the terminal body design and the overall assembly
3Reliability
If the clamping spring is made from electrically conductive material, then electrical contact is ensured, but the material selection becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping spring is designed to serve dual functions: providing mechanical clamping force through its elastic properties and ensuring electrical contact through its conductive material. This multi-functionality allows the same component to fulfill both structural and electrical requirements, though it does constrain material selection to conductive materials with adequate spring properties
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
Simplifies the connection process by allowing electrical conductors to be pushed in against the spring action, reducing complexity and ensuring a reliable, cost-effective, and electrically conductive connection without additional housing.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping spring (30) being inserted into the clamping body (20) in such a way that an electrical conductor to be connected can be pushed into the clamping body (20) against the spring action of the clamping spring (30) and is clamped between the clamping spring (30) and the clamping body (20)
Implementation Method 2
the clamping spring (30) ensures the electrically conductive contact between the electrical conductor and the clamping body (20)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The terminal (10) has a terminal body (20) designed like a frame and made of electrically conductive material i.e. brass, and a connection pin (27) arranged at an outer side of the terminal body. A terminal spring (30) e.g. flat spring, is inserted in the terminal body, where the terminal body is designed as a single piece. The terminal body is made at a massive material block by a machining process. The terminal body exhibits a wall thickness of more than 1 millimeter. The spring is made of a material with good spring characteristics and electrically conductive material.