Spring Clamp Conductor Terminal for Tool-Free Pre-Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conductor terminal blocks often require the electrical conductor to be inserted into the insulating housing first, making pre-assembly and secure fixation of the conductor difficult, especially without tools, and they are not universally applicable.
Innovation Solution
The electrical contact features at least three first support points in a first spatial plane and at least three or four second support points in an orthogonal second spatial plane, providing stable clamping and retention through a spring-loaded clamp connection, allowing for pre-assembly and easy connection similar to crimp technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional terminal blocks require conductor insertion into insulating housing first, then the housing can provide support, but pre-assembly and secure fixation of the conductor becomes difficult without tools
Solution Approach 1:
The contact is divided into two independent parts: the electrical contact element with spring clamp and the insulating housing. The contact element can be pre-assembled with the conductor outside the housing, then inserted as a complete unit. This segmentation enables tool-free pre-assembly while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clamp is pre-configured with multiple support points that automatically engage the conductor when inserted. The preliminary arrangement of support points in different spatial planes ensures that the conductor is secured in the correct position before final insertion into the housing, eliminating the need for tool-assisted assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional terminal blocks use housing parts for conductor securing, then the structure is simple, but the terminal blocks are not universally applicable to different conductor types
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clamp contact element is designed with multiple support points in different spatial planes that can accommodate various conductor types, cross-sections, and materials. This universal design allows the same contact structure to securely hold different conductors without modification, while the modular design keeps overall complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Support points are arranged in multiple spatial planes (first spatial plane and second spatial plane orthogonal to it) rather than a single plane. This three-dimensional arrangement provides versatile adaptation to different conductor geometries while maintaining a relatively simple contact structure through systematic spatial distribution of support points.
3Reliability
If multiple support points are added to the contact, then conductor retention improves, but the contact structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding multiple support points in a single plane which would increase complexity significantly, the invention distributes support points across two orthogonal spatial planes. This three-dimensional arrangement provides reliable conductor retention through geometric constraint while maintaining structural simplicity through systematic spatial distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Different support points are positioned at specific locations (front, middle, rear in the first spatial plane; and corresponding positions in the second spatial plane) to provide localized support where needed. This targeted placement ensures reliable fixation with the minimum necessary number of support points, avoiding unnecessary structural complexity.
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
The solution ensures secure, tool-free fixation and reliable connection of electrical conductors, enabling pre-assembly and use in various conductor cross-sections, with stable retention and easy disconnection, facilitating factory wiring and versatile application.
Implementation Method 1
the connection section has a spring-loaded clamping connection with at least one clamping spring for connecting the electrical conductor by means of spring force
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical contact for a conductor terminal that has an insulating material housing, and the contact has a terminal portion for connection to an electrical conductor, and the terminal portion has a spring force clamping connection with at least one clamping spring for connection of the electrical conductor under spring force. The invention also relates to a conductor terminal having at least one such electrical contact.