Spring Clamp Terminal with Internal Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring clamp connections for high-current applications require significant space due to the need for external actuation, leading to a bulky design and increased height, as the actuation force is applied through the insulating housing, which is not only space-intensive but also complicates the design of the terminal block.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a rotatably mounted actuating cylinder with a screw thread within the clamping bracket, allowing the actuating cylinder to interact with a screw thread on the clamping bracket or busbar piece, shifting the required space for actuation into the interior of the clamping yoke and eliminating the need for additional space above the clamping bracket, thus reducing the overall size and simplifying the insulating housing design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If external actuation through insulating housing is used, then clamping force is sufficient, but device size and height increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating cylinder is nested within the interior space of the clamping bracket, with its screw thread engaging with a screw thread on the clamping bracket or busbar piece. This nesting arrangement allows the actuation mechanism to be contained within the existing structural envelope, eliminating the need for external actuation components that would increase device volume and height.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from external linear actuation through the insulating housing to internal rotational actuation within the clamping bracket. By moving the actuation mechanism into a different spatial dimension (internal vs. external) and changing the actuation mode (rotation vs. linear), the design achieves sufficient clamping force without increasing overall device dimensions.
2Reliability
If external actuation through insulating housing is used, then clamping connection is reliable, but device height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating cylinder is positioned within the interior space of the clamping bracket, nesting the actuation mechanism within the existing structural height. This eliminates the need for additional height above the clamping bracket that would be required for external actuation components, while maintaining reliable clamping connection through the internal screw thread engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation function is merged with the existing clamping bracket structure by integrating the actuating cylinder and screw thread directly into the bracket or busbar piece. This consolidation eliminates separate external actuation components and reduces the overall device height while preserving clamping reliability.
3Ease of operation
If actuating elements are positioned above clamping bracket, then actuation is achievable, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the actuating elements above the clamping bracket as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the arrangement by placing the actuating cylinder within the interior space of the clamping bracket. This inversion allows actuation to be achieved without requiring additional space above the bracket, as the actuation components are contained within the existing structural footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves the actuation mechanism from a vertical arrangement (above the bracket) to a horizontal arrangement (within the bracket interior). By changing the spatial dimension of actuation from external-vertical to internal-horizontal, the design achieves full actuation capability without increasing the footprint area above the clamping bracket.
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 reduces the size of the spring clamping element, eliminates the need for external actuation support on the insulating housing, and allows for a self-supporting actuator, resulting in a more compact and simplified terminal block structure without compromising clamping force or reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a helical spring (8) which is operatively connected to the conductor rail section (2) and to the clamping bracket (3) and exerts a spring force between the clamping bracket (3) and the busbar piece (2)
Implementation Method 2
the screw thread of the actuating cylinder is in engagement with a screw thread of an actuating section (13) which is coupled to the clamping bracket (3) or the busbar piece (2) for displacement of the clamping bracket (3) relative to the busbar piece (2) upon rotation of the actuating cylinder (10, 19)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A spring clamping element (1) comprising a busbar section (2), a pull bar (3) which is movably mounted on the busbar section (2) and has at least one clamping edge (5a, 5b) engaging under the busbar section (2) for clamping an electrical conductor between the clamping edge (5a, 5b) and the busbar section (2), and a helical spring (8) which is operatively connected to the busbar section (2) and to the pull bar (3) and exerts a spring force between the pull bar (3) and the busbar section (2), is described. An actuating cylinder (10, 19) is rotatable by means of a screw thread and is fixedly mounted on the pull bar (3) or on the busbar section (2) in the direction of extension of the actuating cylinder (10, 19). The actuating cylinder (10, 19) is arranged with its screw thread (11) at least in the clamping state clamping an electrical conductor (L) essentially inside the pull handle (3).The screw thread (11) of the actuating cylinder (10, 19) engages with a screw thread (12) of an actuating section (13) coupled to the pull bar (3) or the busbar section (2) for displacing the pull bar relative to the busbar section (2) when the actuating cylinder (10, 19) is rotated.