Spring Clamp Terminal with Self-Holding Open Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection arrangements for electrical conductors, particularly those with flexible conductors, require manual holding of an actuating element in an open position to facilitate conductor insertion, complicating the connection process.
Innovation Solution
The actuating element is designed to be held in a fixed position relative to the current bar in the open position of the clamping spring, preventing relative movement and allowing for easy insertion of conductors without manual holding, using a latching mechanism or positive and/or non-positive connection with the current bar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuating element is not held in position by the current bar, then the clamping spring can be moved freely between positions, but the actuating element requires manual holding in the open position, complicating the connection process
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is designed to automatically engage with the current bar when the clamping spring reaches the open position, eliminating the need for manual holding. The engagement mechanism self-activates through the natural movement of the clamping spring, and the actuating element self-holds in the engaged position without additional control inputs from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is positioned and held by the current bar in advance before the conductor insertion process begins. This preliminary positioning prevents the actuating element from moving during the connection process, thereby preventing potential issues that would arise from actuating element displacement during conductor insertion.
2Ease of operation
If the actuating element is held in a fixed position by the current bar, then manual holding is eliminated and one-handed operation is enabled, but the engagement mechanism between the actuating element and current bar must be precisely designed
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism uses an intermediary geometric feature (such as a cam surface, latch, or detent) that mediates between the actuating element and the current bar. This intermediary feature translates the movement of the clamping spring into reliable engagement of the actuating element with the current bar, reducing the precision requirements for direct mating surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism is designed to create a stable equilibrium position where the actuating element naturally rests when engaged with the current bar. The geometric design ensures that once engaged, the actuating element remains in a stable position without requiring continuous force or precise active control, effectively creating an equipotential state for the engaged position.
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
This design simplifies the connection process, enabling one-handed operation and safe, efficient connection of flexible conductors by eliminating the need for manual stabilization of the actuating element, thus enhancing user convenience and reducing connection time.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping spring (111), which comprises a holding leg (112) and a clamping leg (113), wherein a conductor (300) inserted into the connection arrangement can be clamped against the current bar (110) by means of the clamping leg (113) of the clamping spring (111)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connection arrangement (100) for connecting an electrical conductor (300), comprising a current bar (110), a clamping spring (111) which has a retaining leg (112) and a clamping leg (113), wherein the conductor (300) to be connected is clamped against the current bar (110) by means of the clamping leg (113) in a clamping position of the clamping spring (111), and an actuating element (115) by means of which the clamping spring (111) can be moved from the clamping position to the open position, wherein the actuating element (115) is held in position in the open position of the clamping spring (111) by means of the current bar (110) in order to keep the clamping spring (111) in the open position.