Spring-Locked Terminal Fastening for Torque-Free Post Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for fastening electrical terminals to electrically conducting posts in automobiles often result in quality deficiencies due to torque checking issues and risk of slippage or shifting during nut screwing, leading to unreliable electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device incorporating a spring and a locking mechanism that retains the electrical terminal on the post, utilizing a retaining circlip and locking part to ensure secure engagement and prevent radial movement, allowing for tool-free and simple assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nut is screwed onto the post to hold the electrical terminal, then the electrical terminal is secured to the post, but quality deficiencies occur due to torque checking issues and risk of slippage or shifting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional nut-screw mechanical fastening system with a spring-based retention system. The spring exerts continuous radial force on the electrical terminal, pressing it against the post without requiring threaded fasteners or torque verification, thus eliminating the precision requirements of the original mechanical system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fastening mechanism from discrete torque-based locking to continuous elastic force application. The spring's elastic deformation provides a variable but sufficient retaining force that maintains reliable electrical contact without the need for precise torque control during assembly
2Stability of the object's composition
If a nut is screwed onto the post to secure the electrical terminal, then the terminal is held in place, but slippage or shifting of terminals occurs during screwing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the multi-step nut-screw operation with a simple spring-loaded retention mechanism. The spring continuously applies radial force to prevent terminal slippage or shifting, while the locking device provides additional positional stability without complicating the assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded to provide retaining force before the electrical terminal is fully assembled. This preliminary elastic force ensures that the terminal remains stable and prevents slippage during the assembly process, rather than requiring precise torque control during fastening
3Reliability
If a spring and locking device are used to retain the electrical terminal, then reliable securing is achieved without torque verification, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spring retention function with the locking device into a single integrated assembly. The spring and locking device work together as a unified mechanism to secure the electrical terminal, providing reliable connection while minimizing the number of separate components compared to traditional nut-and-bolt systems
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 efficient method for securing electrical terminals, eliminating the need for torque verification and enabling easy, rapid locking, while ensuring consistent electrical contact and preventing terminal displacement.
Implementation Method 1
The spring (28) is at least partially loaded in the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening device for fastening an electrical terminal to an electrically conducting post includes a spring and a locking device retaining the electrical terminal on the electrically conducting post in a locked position of the fastening device. The spring is at least partially loaded in the locked position.