Spring Element Actuation Mechanism for Electrical Conductor Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connection devices for electrical conductors require cumbersome handling as users need to simultaneously operate the device and the conductor, and they often have large installation spaces due to required bending radii in the spring elements.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a spring element featuring an actuating section, support section, and pivot axis, allowing for defined pivoting and reduced cross-sectional dimensions, enabling easy actuation between clamping and release positions while maintaining resilience and minimizing installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spring leg is adjusted by a tool acting on a slide element, then the spring element can be adjusted between clamping and release positions, but the handling becomes cumbersome and impractical as the user must simultaneously hold the connection device, conductor, and tool
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device enables self-service operation by integrating the adjustment mechanism directly into the housing. The user can adjust the spring element by simply pressing a button or lever on the device itself, eliminating the need for separate tools. This allows one-handed operation where the user holds only the connection device while adjusting the conductor position.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment function is merged with the main housing structure. The slide element is integrated into the housing rather than being a separate component, and the spring element adjustment is combined with the conductor insertion process. This integration eliminates the need for separate adjustment tools and simplifies the overall operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the spring element is manufactured as a stamped part with bending, then the connecting element can be formed in one piece with the spring leg, but a large bending radius is required which increases the installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is segmented into distinct functional sections: a stamped spring leg portion for elasticity, a separate connecting element for mechanical linkage, and an actuating section for user interaction. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the spring leg can be stamped with minimal bending radius while the connecting element provides the necessary mechanical function without requiring large bending radii.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a two-dimensional stamped profile to a three-dimensional assembled structure. By forming the connecting element separately and attaching it to the spring leg, the design achieves the necessary spatial relationships and mechanical functions without being constrained by the bending radius limitations of flat stamping operations.
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
Facilitates simple and efficient handling of electrical conductors by allowing easy adjustment of the spring element between clamping and release positions, reducing installation space requirements and ensuring favorable resilience during repeated use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element which is arranged on the housing and has a spring leg for locking a conductor plugged into the plug-in opening
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection device (1) for connection of an electrical conductor (2), said device comprising a housing (10) which has an insertion opening (100) for insertion of an electrical conductor (2), a spring element (11) arranged on the housing (10), which spring element has a spring limb (111) for locking a conductor (2) inserted in the insertion opening (100), and a displacement element (12), which is arranged displaceably on the housing (10). The spring limb (111) is movable between a clamping position and a release position by displacement of the displacement element (12). According to the invention, the spring element (11) has an actuation portion (112) arranged on the spring limb (111). The displacement element (12) acts on the actuation portion when said displacement element is displaced for movement of the spring limb (111), and a support portion (113) is formed on the actuation portion and is designed to bear against the spring limb (111) at support point (114) when the spring limb (111) is moved.