Spring-Force Connection Tool-Free Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring-loaded connections for electrical conductors lack ease of use and reliability in both mechanical support and electrical contacting, often requiring tools for disconnection and having complex component configurations.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded connection featuring a bracket element articulated to an actuating element, which applies a tensile force to the clamping leg, allowing for easy connection and disconnection of conductors without tools, with a lever actuating element mounted directly on the contact element to minimize housing part movement and utilize fewer components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional spring-loaded connection is used, then mechanical retention and electrical contact are achieved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuating element and release element into a single integrated lever mechanism that can both engage and disengage the clamping leg. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining ease of operation for both connection and disconnection
Solution Approach 2:
The lever element serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating element for engaging the clamping leg and the release element for disengaging it. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate actuation and release mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while improving operational simplicity
2Ease of operation
If a lever actuating element is used, then ease of operation improves, but the housing part movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lever element into distinct functional zones: a first lever section for actuation, a second lever section for engagement with the clamping leg, and a pivot point for rotation. This segmentation allows the lever to achieve sufficient movement for tool-free operation while the housing part remains stable through the fixed pivot connection
Solution Approach 2:
The lever element is pre-positioned and pivotally connected to the housing part before operation. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the user applies force to the lever, the motion is controlled and directed, minimizing unintended housing part movement while maximizing the lever's operational effectiveness
3Reliability
If multiple components are used, then reliability improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuating element and release element into a single lever component, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked. This consolidation maintains reliability through the lever's robust mechanical engagement with the clamping leg while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
4Reliability
If a complex component configuration is used, then reliability improves, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever element is designed with specific local features: a first lever section with a bearing opening for pivotal connection to the housing, and a second lever section with a coupling point for engaging the clamping leg. This localized functional design ensures reliable electrical contact through precise engagement points while keeping the overall manufacturing process simple and cost-effective
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 simple, cost-effective, and reliable mechanism for connecting and disconnecting electrical conductors with stable actuation positions, ensuring secure mechanical and electrical contact without tool usage, while maintaining a straightforward manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
The spring element has a clamping leg that is adjustable relative to the contact element for applying a spring force to the conductor connected to the spring-loaded terminal
Implementation Method 2
a tension element is provided, which is movably coupled to the actuating element and movably to the clamping leg and is designed to exert a tension force on the clamping leg when the actuating element is actuated
Implementation Method 3
the actuating element exerts a tensile force on the clamping arm, allowing the clamping arm to be adjusted relative to the contact element by actuating the element
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a spring-force connection (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), comprising: a housing part (10); a electrically conductive contact element (11) arranged on the housing part (10) for electrical contacting with a conductor (2) connected to the spring-force connection (1); a spring element (12) having a clamping limb (120) that can be adjusted relative to the contact element (11) for applying a spring force to a conductor (2) connected to the spring-force connection (1); and an actuating element (13) for adjusting the clamping limb (120). A tension element (14) is also provided, which is movably coupled to the actuating element (13), is movably coupled to the clamping limb (120) and is designed to exert a tensile force on the clamping limb (120) when the actuating element (13) is actuated, in order to adjust the clamping limb (120) relative to the contact element (120). In this way a spring-force connection is provided, which is easy to use and can ensure a reliable mechanical hold and also reliable electrical contacting for the connected conductor.