Spring Force Terminal Connection with Self-Supporting Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring clamp connections lack a compact and self-supporting actuation arrangement, leading to increased width and dependency on the insulating housing for actuation, which complicates the design and installation of narrow connecting terminals.
Innovation Solution
A bearing arm is fixed to the busbar and extends through a slot in the clamping or actuating section of the cage clamp spring, allowing the actuating element to pivot or move linearly, providing a closed force flow and independent actuation from the housing, without increasing the terminal's width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuating element is mounted laterally past the clamping spring, then the actuation mechanism can be implemented, but the width of the terminal increases and the structure becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing arm is nested within the slot formed by the clamping spring's clamping section and actuating section, allowing the actuation mechanism to be contained within the existing structural envelope rather than extending laterally, thus maintaining compact terminal width while enabling full actuation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is mounted on the bearing arm in a direction perpendicular to the lateral extension, utilizing the vertical dimension created by the slot rather than expanding horizontally, which resolves the contradiction between operational capability and compact width
2Ease of operation
If the actuating element is fixed to the housing, then actuation can be achieved, but the terminal becomes dependent on the housing and loses self-supporting capability
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing arm is fixed to the busbar rather than the housing, enabling the terminal to actuate itself using its own structural components. This self-service approach eliminates dependency on the housing for actuation functionality while maintaining full operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation system is segmented as a separate functional unit mounted on the busbar, independent from the housing structure. This segmentation allows the terminal to function autonomously without requiring housing integration, reducing overall system complexity and housing dependency
3Area of stationary object
If a compact actuation arrangement is implemented, then the terminal width can be reduced, but the stress distribution integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing arm acts as an intermediary component that transmits actuation forces through the slot structure without compromising the clamping spring's stress distribution. The bearing arm is positioned to interact with the actuating section while maintaining clear separation from the clamping section, preserving structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The slot is strategically positioned in the actuating section rather than the clamping section, creating a localized area for bearing arm mounting that does not interfere with the critical stress-bearing clamping region. This local differentiation maintains stress distribution integrity while enabling compact actuation
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 results in a compact, self-supporting, and material-saving spring clamp connection that maintains stress distribution integrity, enabling narrower terminal designs and easier assembly, with actuation forces acting directly on the busbar rather than the housing.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping spring (4) which has an abutment section (5) which is supported on the conductor rail (2)
Implementation Method 2
an actuating element (13), which is pivotably or linearly displaceably mounted on the bearing arm (12)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Disclosed is a spring force terminal connection (1) comprising a busbar (2), a terminal spring (4) in the form of a cage tensile spring, and an actuation element (13) which is displaceably mounted to act upon the actuation section (7) of the terminal spring (4) such that a terminal point can be opened and closed. A bearing arm (12, 22) extends from the direction of the busbar (2) through a slot (9, 20) in the terminal section (8) and/or in the actuation section (7) of the terminal spring (4). The section of the bearing arm (12, 22) that extends through the slot (9, 20) is arranged in a region between the lateral edges of the terminal spring (4) and supports the actuation element (13).