Spring-Force Terminal Pushbutton Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spring-loaded terminal connections face challenges in achieving a compact and stable integration of the actuating pushbutton within the insulating material housing, leading to inefficient force distribution and potential bending risks.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a pushbutton opening that is open towards the conductor insertion opening, allowing the actuating pushbutton to form part of the wall, with a conical taper and depression to guide the clamping leg, and a protruding nose to reinforce the actuation area, along with a recess for improved screwdriver access, ensuring stable mounting and optimal kinematics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the actuating pushbutton is integrated into the insulating material housing, then the structure becomes more compact, but the stability and force distribution deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompactness of pushbutton integrationVSAvoidstability of pushbutton mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The pushbutton opening is segmented into different zones: a widened mouth section for pushbutton access and a narrower rear section for structural support. This segmentation allows the pushbutton to be compactly integrated while maintaining stability through the distributed opening structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating material housing exhibits local quality variations in the pushbutton opening area. The opening is widened at the mouth section for actuation access but maintains sufficient material thickness at the rear section to provide structural support and stable mounting for the pushbutton.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the pushbutton opening is widened for access, then ease of operation improves, but the structural strength of the housing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of actuating pushbuttonVSAvoidstructural strength of insulating housing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The pushbutton opening demonstrates local quality by being selectively widened only at the mouth section where operator access is needed, while the rear portion maintains adequate material thickness to preserve the structural strength of the insulating housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The opening is segmented into functional zones: the widened mouth section facilitates ease of operation by allowing screwdriver access, while the narrower rear section preserves structural integrity. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between accessibility and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the actuating pushbutton forms part of the wall of the conductor insertion opening, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of pushbutton as wall componentVSAvoidprecision of pushbutton opening contour
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating pushbutton and the conductor insertion opening wall are merged into a single integrated structure. The pushbutton opening contour is designed to directly form the wall of the conductor insertion opening, eliminating separate components and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cross-sectional dimensions of the pushbutton opening are carefully controlled to achieve the dual function of forming the conductor insertion opening wall and providing stable pushbutton mounting. The widening contour parameters are optimized to balance integration benefits with manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 a compact, stable, and efficient actuation mechanism with reduced force load on the housing, minimizing the risk of the actuation button bending and allowing for reliable electrical connections.

Implementation Method 1

at least one clamping spring which has a contact leg, a clamping leg and a spring bow which connects the contact leg and the clamping leg to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an actuating pushbutton which is accommodated in a pusher opening in the insulating material housing and can be displaced has an actuating surface for contacting the clamping limb and for displacing the clamping limb in the direction of the contact limb for opening the clamping point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3061154B1Spring-force terminal connection and plug connector
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 WAGO VERW GMBH
  • EP3061154B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3061154B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3061154B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention describes a spring-force terminal connection (1) for the terminal connection of electrical conductors, having an insulating-material housing (2) which has at least one conductor insertion opening (12) for the insertion of an electrical conductor, at least one clamping spring (5) which has a contact limb (7), a clamping limb (10) and a spring bow (8) which connects the contact limb (7) and the clamping limb (10) to one another, and having at least one operating button (15) which is accommodated in the insulating-material housing such that it can be displaced and which has an operating area (14) for making contact with the clamping limb (10) and moving the clamping limb (10) in the direction of the contact limb (7) for opening the clamping point when the operating button (15) is displaced in the direction of the interior of the insulating-material housing (2). The insulating-material housing (2) contains at least one button opening (16) for accommodating an associated operating button (15), said button opening being open in the direction of an associated conductor insertion opening (12). The operating button (15), which is mounted in this button opening (16) such that it can be displaced, forms part of the wall arrangement of the conductor insertion opening (12). Starting from a mouth section (50) which adjoins the conductor insertion opening (12), the button opening (16) is widened in the direction of the back (51) of the button opening (16), said back being situated opposite the conductor insertion opening (12). The cross section of the operating button (15) is matched to the widening contour of the button opening (16).