Spring Loaded Terminal Preventing False Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring clamps for electrical conductors, particularly stranded conductors, often experience false triggering due to protruding strands, which can lead to incomplete clamping and damage, as the locking connection is loosened before the conductor reaches the pressure surface, compromising the secure clamping mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The second latching element is positioned on the rear side of the clamping leg, with latching wings or lugs that prevent individual strands from releasing the latching connection until the conductor is fully inserted, ensuring the clamping spring is triggered only when the conductor reaches the intended triggering section, and the clamping leg is securely latched behind the conductor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latching element is positioned on the front side of the clamping leg, then the clamping mechanism can be triggered easily, but false triggering occurs due to protruding strands loosening the locking connection before the conductor reaches the pressure surface
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element is repositioned from the front side to the rear side of the clamping leg, changing the spatial dimension of engagement. This rear-side positioning ensures that protruding strands cannot interfere with the latching mechanism before the conductor fully reaches the pressure surface, eliminating false triggering while maintaining reliable locking.
2Reliability
If the latching element is positioned on the rear side of the clamping leg, then false triggering is prevented, but the triggering mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger element is designed to automatically engage with the latching element on the rear side of the clamping leg through the natural insertion motion of the conductor. The conductor itself serves as the actuating force, pushing the trigger element which in turn releases the latching connection, eliminating the need for additional complex actuating mechanisms.
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 design reliably prevents false triggering and ensures the conductor is clamped over its entire length, enhancing secure contact with the busbar and optimizing heat transport, while maintaining simplicity in production and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping spring with a clamping leg which can be pivoted about a pivot axis in a pivoting direction and which can be pivoted from a latched state in which it is latched to a holding means
Implementation Method 2
a release and retaining spring with a release section for transferring the clamping leg from the release position to the clamping position and with a holding section for holding the clamping leg in the release position
Data Source
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AI summary
Spring-force terminal (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2), in particular a braided conductor, comprising - a housing (3) which has a receptacle (4) for the electrical conductor (2), - a busbar (5) for making contact with the electrical conductor (2), - a clamping spring (6) with a clamping limb (7) which can be moved between a release position for inserting the electrical conductor (2) into the housing (3) and a clamping position for firmly clamping the electrical conductor (2) in contact with the busbar (5), - a tripping and holding spring (9) having a tripping section (10) for moving the clamping limb (7) from the release position to the clamping position and having a holding section (11) for holding the clamping limb (7) in the release position, - a latching device having a first latching element (13) on the holding section (11) of the tripping and holding spring (9) and having a second latching element (14) on the clamping spring (6), wherein the clamping limb (7) is arranged in the release position in the latched state of the first latching element (13) and second latching element (14) and is arranged in the clamping position in the unlatched state of the first latching element (13) and second latching element (14), wherein the second latching element (14) is provided on a rear side of the clamping limb (7) of the clamping spring (6), which rear side is averted from the receptacle (4) for the electrical conductor (2).