Spring Clip with Integrated Partition Leg for Compact Conductor Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spring clamps for current bars are inefficient in terms of space usage and manufacturing cost, particularly when designed for direct plug-in technology, as they require multiple components and complex constructions to achieve multiple connection points.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece connection spring element with loop clamping springs and an integrated partition leg, formed from stamped and bent sheet metal, which separates adjacent clamping springs to create compartments for direct conductor clamping, reducing division depth and manufacturing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate clamping springs are used for multiple connection points, then each conductor can be clamped independently, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple connection pointsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple clamping springs into a single integrated connection spring element with multiple clamping legs that can independently clamp multiple conductors. This merging approach maintains the functionality of multiple connection points while significantly reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost compared to using separate clamping springs for each conductor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate clamping springs are used for multiple connection points, then each conductor can be clamped independently, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple connection pointsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple clamping springs into one integrated connection spring element that can be manufactured as a single piece using stamping and bending processes. This approach reduces manufacturing cost by eliminating the need to produce and assemble multiple separate springs, while still providing independent clamping capability for multiple conductors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional clamping spring designs are used, then conductors can be clamped effectively, but the pitch and size of the connection terminal increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping effectivenessVSAvoidpitch and size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the connection spring element with clamping legs that are arranged in a compact, nested configuration allowing multiple conductors to be clamped within a smaller pitch. The clamping legs are positioned to utilize space efficiently, enabling effective clamping of multiple conductors without increasing the overall size of the connection terminal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If traditional multi-component designs are used, then clamping function is achieved, but manufacturing effort and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping functionVSAvoidmanufacturing effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple clamping functions into a single integrated connection spring element that can be manufactured in one piece through stamping and bending operations. This eliminates the need to produce and assemble multiple separate components, significantly reducing manufacturing effort and assembly complexity while maintaining effective clamping functionality for multiple conductors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 allows for a compact, cost-effective spring clamp design that can efficiently clamp multiple conductors with reduced manufacturing effort, enabling direct plug-in technology while maintaining effective electrical contact.

Implementation Method 1

A connection spring element (1, 2, 3) which is designed in one piece with at least two loop clamping springs (21, 22)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3284139B1Spring clip
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3284139B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2b
  • EP3284139B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4b
  • EP3284139B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~6b

AI summary

The invention relates to a spring clip having a connection spring element for direct clamping of a conductor (7) to a current bar having a clamp wall (41, 61) and having an abutment (42, 62), wherein the connection spring element is formed integrally having two loop clamp springs (21, 22) and a partition wall limb (32), which separates the two loop clamp springs (21, 22) from each other in order to form compartments (210, 220) for feeding conductors (8). Each loop clamp spring (21, 22) has a contact limb (11) which presses an inserted, uninsulated conductor end (81) against the clamp wall (41, 61) of the current bar, thus establishing contact to the clamp wall.