Spring Loaded Terminal Locking Mechanism for Stranded Conductors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring loaded terminals are not effectively designed for stranded conductors with small cross sections and lack a simple and cost-effective mechanism for easy installation and secure clamping without damaging the clamping arm.
Innovation Solution
A spring loaded terminal with a pivotable clamping arm and a locking mechanism that includes a movable actuation element and a spring-loaded locking element, allowing for easy locking and unlocking of the clamping arm, preventing damage and enabling secure connection of stranded conductors without a metal latch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal spring latch is used to lock the clamping arm, then the clamping arm can be securely locked, but the clamping arm may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a locking element as an intermediary component between the actuation element and the clamping arm. This locking element, with its spring biels and locking surfaces, mediates the locking action to secure the clamping arm without directly damaging it, resolving the contradiction between reliable locking and component integrity
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to secure the clamping arm, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated locking element that works with the actuation element. The locking element incorporates spring biels, locking surfaces, and interaction features that collectively provide secure locking without requiring multiple separate components, thus maintaining reliability while reducing overall complexity
3Reliability
If the actuation element is heavily constrained to prevent movement, then the clamping arm locking is secure, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic interaction between the actuation element and locking element through spring biels and controlled movement paths. The actuation element can move freely during operation but becomes locked in position through the spring-loaded locking mechanism, providing both ease of operation and secure locking without excessive constraint
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 reliable and cost-effective method for connecting both solid and stranded conductors, preventing strand splaying and allowing for easy handling and installation, while maintaining secure electrical contact.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element is designed to move the locking element in a locking channel at an oblique angle into the actuation channel
Implementation Method 2
a clamping spring which is arranged in the chamber and acts as compression spring for fixing the electrical conductor on the busbar
Data Source
AI summary
A spring loaded direct plug-in terminal with a direct plug-in connector for the connection of a conductor includes a housing with a chamber and a plug-in channel for plugging the conductor into the chamber. The terminal also includes a busbar, a clamping spring arranged in the chamber and acting as a compression spring for fixing the electrical conductor on the busbar in the area of a clamping site. The clamping spring includes a pivotable clamping arm which can be adjusted from a locked state in a locked position into a clamping state in which it is unlocked from the locked state and presses the electrical conductor against the busbar. An actuation element which is movable in the housing is provided which, together with the clamping arm of the clamping spring, can be locked in the locked state. The mobility of the actuation element in the housing in the locked state can be arrested by a locking element which is movable at an angle relative to the movement direction of the actuation element.