Spring Clamp Terminal for One-Step Flexible Conductor Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection arrangements for electrical conductors, particularly those with flexible conductors, require cumbersome manual actuation to move the clamping spring from an open position to a clamping position, increasing handling difficulty and time.
Innovation Solution
A connection arrangement featuring a holding element with a pressure surface that engages with the actuating element in the open position, allowing the conductor to automatically disengage the holding element and move the clamping spring into the clamping position upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clamping spring is moved manually by the actuating element, then the conductor can be securely clamped, but the handling becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor itself serves as the actuating element. When the conductor is inserted, it automatically moves the clamping spring from the open position to the clamping position through its own insertion motion, eliminating the need for separate manual actuation. The system uses the conductor's presence and insertion action to trigger the clamping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is pre-positioned to engage with the clamping spring in the open position. The holding element maintains this pre-positioned state until the conductor is inserted, at which point the stored mechanical energy in the actuating element automatically drives the clamping spring into the clamping position.
2Reliability
If the clamping spring is moved manually by the actuating element, then the conductor can be securely clamped, but the connection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor's insertion motion directly drives the clamping spring into the clamping position through the actuating element, eliminating the need for separate manual actuation steps. The clamping action occurs automatically during the insertion process itself, significantly reducing connection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual actuation step is completely skipped. The system transitions directly from conductor insertion to automatic clamping without requiring the user to separately operate the actuating element, thereby rushing through the connection process in a single continuous motion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible conductors are used, then adaptability is improved, but manual actuation becomes necessary and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible conductors can be easily inserted into the connection arrangement, and upon insertion, they automatically trigger the clamping mechanism through the actuating element. The system adapts to the flexible conductor's insertion motion and converts it into the necessary clamping action, eliminating manual actuation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element serves as an intermediary that translates the conductor's insertion motion into the clamping spring's actuation. This mediator mechanism allows flexible conductors to be easily connected by converting their simple insertion motion into the complex sequence of opening and clamping actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection arrangement for connecting an electrical conductor includes: a busbar; a clamping spring by which the conductor to be connected is clamped in a clamping position of the clamping spring against the busbar; and an actuating element by which the clamping spring can be moved from the clamping position into an open position. A holding element is provided which, in the open position, engages with the actuating element to hold the actuating element in position. The holding element has a pressure surface. For moving the clamping spring from the open position into the clamping position, the pressure surface can be actuated by the conductor to be connected and the holding element can be disengaged from the actuating element by the actuation of the pressure surface.