Spring Clamp Conductor Terminal With Self-Retaining Hold-Open
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring force clamping connections struggle to securely clamp multi-wire or stranded conductors and require additional installation space for actuating elements, limiting their usability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A conductor terminal design featuring a clamping spring with actuating sections protruding from the clamping leg, allowing for a self-retaining hold-open position without additional components, and utilizing a retaining arm with a latching contour to securely clamp conductors in a compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring force clamping connection is used to clamp electrical conductors, then the clamping force is sufficient for rigid conductors, but it cannot securely clamp multi-wire conductors or stranded conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the clamping leg, specifically forming a hooked end section that curves back towards the attachment leg. This parameter change allows the clamping leg to adapt to different conductor types (rigid, multi-wire, stranded) while maintaining secure clamping force, resolving the contradiction between clamping reliability and conductor type compatibility
2Ease of operation
If additional components are added to achieve a self-retaining hold-open position, then the hold-open function is improved, but the device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hold-open retention function into the existing clamping spring structure by forming a hooked end section on the clamping leg that engages with the busbar. This integration eliminates the need for separate retention components while achieving the self-retaining hold-open position, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hooked end section of the clamping leg is nested within the space between the attachment leg and the conductor, utilizing existing structural space. This nesting approach allows the hold-open function to be achieved without increasing the overall device footprint or requiring additional installation space, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If the clamping spring is designed with a standard structure, then the manufacturing is simple, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by forming a hooked end section that curves in the direction of the attachment leg, creating a compact three-dimensional structure. This dimensional approach allows the clamping spring to achieve self-retaining hold-open position without increasing its planar footprint, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and installation space volume
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
Enables secure clamping of multi-wire or stranded conductors in a self-retaining position with minimal installation space, ensuring efficient and stable electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient bend connecting the attachment leg to the clamping leg
Data Source
AI summary
A conductor terminal having an insulating material housing, a spring force clamping connection for connecting an electrical conductor in the insulating material housing and an actuating element. The spring force clamping connection has a busbar and a clamping spring. The clamping spring comprises a clamping leg having a clamping edge for clamping an electrical conductor to a contact section of the busbar, an attachment leg, which is in contact with the busbar and supports the clamping spring on the busbar, and a resilient bend, which connects the attachment leg with the clamping leg. In addition, the insulating material housing has a conductor insertion channel leading to the contact section and an actuating channel, which is movably mounted in the actuation channel and is set up to exert force on the clamping leg in order to displace the clamping leg against the force of the clamping spring into a hold-open position.