Spring-Clamped Wire Termination for Vibration-Stable Multi-Pole Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical wire termination methods in multi-pole devices, such as screw and clamp types, are time-consuming and prone to loosening due to torque sensitivity and vibration, especially in multi-phase applications like three-phase motor disconnect switches.
Innovation Solution
The development of screwless wire termination assemblies with biasing members, such as springs, and activating members that allow for automatic clamping and releasing of wires with a force perpendicular to the wire axis, facilitating quicker installation and improved durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw and clamp type terminations are used, then wire connection strength is achieved, but installation time increases and terminations may loosen due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the screw fastener from the wire termination assembly, extracting the problematic element that requires torque control and manual tightening. The wire is terminated using a clamp mechanism that applies continuous pressure without requiring screws, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire termination assembly incorporates a spring-loaded clamp that automatically applies and maintains the necessary clamping force on the wire. The spring mechanism self-regulates the pressure, eliminating the need for external torque control and manual adjustment, thus reducing installation time while ensuring reliable connection.
2Reliability
If screw terminations are used, then wire clamping force is achieved, but terminations loosen when subjected to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spring-loaded clamp mechanism that continuously adapts to maintain optimal clamping force. Unlike static screw terminations that can loosen under vibration, the spring mechanism dynamically adjusts to sustain constant pressure on the wire, preventing loosening during vibratory operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element in the clamp mechanism serves as a cushioning element that anticipates and compensates for vibrational forces before they can cause loosening. The spring absorbs and dampens vibration impacts, maintaining stable wire termination even under harsh vibratory conditions.
3Ease of operation
If direct pressure type terminations are used, then installation is simplified, but wire connection reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spring-loaded clamp as an intermediary mechanism between the simple pressing action and the wire termination. This intermediary component translates simple insertion motion into reliable, controlled clamping force, combining the ease of operation of direct pressure methods with the connection reliability of mechanically secured terminations.
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 enables faster and more secure wire termination in multi-pole devices, reducing installation time and preventing loosening due to vibrations, thus enhancing the reliability of multi-phase electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one wire termination assembly may include a biasing member, e.g., a spring
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-pole or multi-phase electrical wiring devices that incorporate clamp-type wire termination assemblies are described. The electrical wiring devices include multi-pole motor switches. The electrical wiring devices include a plurality of wire termination assemblies. Each wire termination assembly includes a wire terminal and an activating member.