Spring Contact Actuator with Nested Hollow Pin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical connecting devices with spring contacts and actuators face limitations in density due to transverse dimensions, making them unsuitable for high-density multipole connectors, and require tools for closure, especially when accommodating conductors with crimped ferrules or single-pole conductors.

Innovation Solution

The design reshapes the tension spring's 'leg' into a semicircular curved portion and tapers it symmetrically, with a hollowed actuator pin that wraps the tapered spring, reducing overall transverse dimensions to zero in the closed position, allowing for higher density arrangements in multipole connectors without increasing the connector's footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional actuator pin with cam profile is used to operate the spring terminal, then the terminal can be opened and closed without tools, but the actuator pin has significant transverse dimensions that limit the density of connecting elements in multipole devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool-free operationVSAvoidtransverse dimension

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator pin is designed with a hollow interior that receives and nests the spring terminal when the terminal is in the closed position. This nesting arrangement allows the spring terminal to be contained within the actuator pin's transverse footprint, effectively reducing the overall transverse dimension of the assembly to that of the actuator pin alone, thereby enabling higher density arrangements in multipole connectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring terminal is given a curved, semicircular cross-section that allows it to fit within the hollow interior of the actuator pin. This dimensional transformation from a traditional straight-legged spring to a curved configuration enables the spring to be nested within the actuator's transverse profile, converting a two-dimensional layout problem into a three-dimensional space utilization solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the actuator pin embraces the spring to the sides to eliminate posterior transverse dimensions, then the spring can be compacted, but the actuator pin's overall width increases requiring greater pitch between connecting elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespring compactnessVSAvoidactuator pin width

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the actuator pin embrace the spring laterally, the spring is nested within the hollow interior of the actuator pin. This nesting configuration contains the spring's transverse dimensions within the actuator pin's own transverse footprint, preventing any increase in overall width while achieving compactness through vertical containment rather than lateral expansion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Area of stationary object

If a sleeve-shaped spring element is used to reduce transverse dimensions, then compactness is achieved, but the device requires tools for closure and is limited to stranded flexible conductors only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransverse dimensionVSAvoidconductor type compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spring terminal is designed with a universal gripping structure featuring opposing arms with gripping surfaces that can accommodate multiple conductor types including stranded flexible conductors, rigid conductors, and conductors with crimped ferrules. This multi-functional design maintains compatibility across different conductor types while achieving compact dimensions through the nested arrangement with the actuator pin

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration enables the use of spring-type connecting elements with actuators in compact multipole terminal blocks and connectors, maintaining contact density and accommodating multiple conductors, including flexible and rigid types, while eliminating the need for tools during closure.

Implementation Method 1

a spring connecting element (30) with a tension spring (32)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9331427B2Electrical connecting device with spring connecting element with compact actuator and multi-pole connector comprising a plurality of said spring contacts

Publication Date: 2016.05.03 IND LOMBARDA MATERIALE ELETTRICO I L M E

AI summary

Electrical connecting device including an insulating body with parallel longitudinal seats and, respectively adapted to accommodate a connecting element with spring terminal and an actuator pin with profile cam facing a spring of the terminal to cause the opening and closing of said terminal by means of sliding in the corresponding seat, said spring being a ring-shaped spring with a curved lower portion, a back ascending portion engageable by a protruding portion of said cam profile of the actuator pin and an upper portion with a slot adapted to receive at least one electrical conductor, characterized in that in said actuator pin a hollow seat delimited by two lateral walls is provided adapted to receive the aforementioned ascending leg of the spring-shaped ring in condition of maximum extroversion of the spring, i.e. upon empty closed terminal.