Spring Clip Connection Module for Vibration-Resistant Drive Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection modules in drive systems face issues with long-term stability due to vibrations causing screw connections to loosen or become overtightened, leading to potential damage and troubleshooting difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A connection module design featuring a housing with a first connection contact and a second connection contact, where the second contact element includes a spring clip that securely presses the first contact element of an adjacent module, ensuring a vibration-proof and reliable electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw connections are used to fasten cable glands or rails, then the connection can be initially secured, but the screw connections can loosen due to vibrations or become overtightened during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw connection mechanism with a spring clip mechanism. The spring clip uses elastic deformation to provide continuous clamping force on the contact elements, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing vibration-resistant connection stability without requiring complex assembly operations involving screws and torque control.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip mechanism is self-adjusting and maintains constant clamping pressure on the contact elements through its elastic properties. The system automatically compensates for vibrations and positional variations without requiring external intervention or adjustment, thereby maintaining reliable electrical connection while simplifying the assembly process.
2Reliability
If screw connections are used, then initial connection is possible, but vibrations cause the screw connections to loosen over time
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip mechanism replaces static screw connections with a dynamic elastic system that continuously adapts to vibrations. The spring's elastic force maintains constant contact pressure between connection elements, preventing loosening over time and ensuring long-term connection stability and durability in vibrating environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip introduces dynamic characteristics to the connection system, allowing it to flex and adapt to vibrations rather than remaining rigid. This dynamic response enables the connection to maintain stability over extended periods despite vibrational stresses, resolving the contradiction between initial connection capability and long-term durability.
3Ease of manufacture
If screw connections are used, then connection can be made, but overtightening during assembly can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
Replacing screw connections with a spring clip mechanism eliminates the risk of overtightening damage entirely. The spring clip's elastic design inherently limits the clamping force to safe levels, allowing simple insertion-based assembly without requiring torque control or risking damage to connected components.
4Reliability
If a spring clip is used to press contact elements, then vibration-proof connection is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip mechanism extracts the essential function of mechanical fastening from complex screw connections, retaining only the clamping action needed for vibration-resistant connection. This simplification achieves reliable vibration-proof connection with minimal structural complexity, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and structural simplicity.
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 provides a quick and reliable electrical connection that is secure against vibrations and unintentional loosening, preventing contacting difficulties and ensuring easy detachment and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The second connection contact includes a spring clip, which presses the corresponding first contact element of the neighboring module onto the second contact element of the second connection contact
Implementation Method 2
the spring clip, which presses the corresponding first contact element of the neighboring module onto the second contact element of the second connection contact... the electrical connection being reliably secured against vibrations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection module (1; 2) and to a connection module system (10) for supplying electrical current to a drive module (5), comprising a housing (15), which has a second connection contact (58) arranged at a second opening (56) and a first connection contact (52) arranged at a first opening (51), wherein both the first and the second connection contact (52, 58) comprise a contact element (50, 55), wherein the second contact element (55) of the second connection contact (58) is arranged in a fixed manner in the housing (15) and the first contact element (50) of the first connection contact (52) is arranged movably in the housing (15), wherein the second contact element (55) of the second connection contact (58) is designed to provide a connection to a corresponding first contact element (50) of an adjacent module (2), wherein the second connection contact (58) comprises a spring terminal (60; 110), which is designed to press the corresponding first contact element (50) of the adjacent module (2) against the second contact element (55) of the second connection contact (58).