Spring Part for Retaining Electric Wires in Terminal Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire retention mechanisms in electrical connection devices, such as terminal blocks, face issues with loose screws, complex production of flat surfaces for clamping, and difficulty in adjusting resilient force to accommodate varying wire cross-sections and electrical loads, leading to uneven electrical contact and assembly complications.
Innovation Solution
A unidirectional spring part with a 'U'-shaped configuration, featuring a vertical arm and an inclined arm connected by a convex section, which engages with a U-shaped base and an insulating terminal block, allowing for adjustable pre-tensioning force and easy assembly, suitable for various wire sizes and types, using standard tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a screw-operated slider is used to clamp the wire, then the wire retention mechanism is simple in structure, but the screw tends to become loose over time and the complex flat surfaces are difficult to produce with even electrical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the screw mechanism from the wire clamping function and replaces it with a spring-loaded slider. The spring element (112) provides continuous resilient force to maintain clamping pressure on the wire without requiring adjustment or tightening, eliminating the reliability issues associated with screws becoming loose over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the clamping mechanism from a static screw-based system to a dynamic spring-based system where the resilient force can be adjusted by modifying the spring characteristics. This allows optimization of the clamping force parameter to ensure reliable electrical contact while maintaining simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If a spring plate is used to clamp the wire, then the wire insertion is simplified, but the resilient force must be increased with increased electrical loads and wire cross-sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spring element into a base portion (111) and an inclined arm (112) that can move independently. This segmentation allows the spring to provide controlled resilient force through the sliding motion of the slider (102) along the inclined surface, making wire insertion easier while maintaining adequate clamping force for various wire sizes and electrical loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic movement through the slider (102) that slides along the inclined arm (112) of the spring. This dynamic mechanism allows the spring to adapt its clamping force based on the wire size and electrical load requirements, providing ease of wire insertion while maintaining sufficient resilient force for high electrical loads.
3Stability of the object's composition
If known spring retaining means are constrained to supports by welds and rivets, then the spring is securely mounted, but assembly is complicated and adjustment of resilient force is substantially reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spring element (112) directly with the terminal block body (100) through integral formation or simple attachment, eliminating the need for separate mounting operations involving welds and rivets. This integration maintains stable mounting while substantially simplifying the assembly process and preserving the ability to adjust resilient force.
4Volume of moving object
If the spring part has small overall dimensions, then the terminal block size is reduced, but the ability to withstand high electrical load may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the inclined curvature of the spring arm (112) to concentrate mechanical force efficiently on the wire. This curved geometry allows the spring part to maintain small overall dimensions while generating sufficient localized clamping force to withstand high electrical loads through optimized stress distribution.
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 reliable wire retention with adjustable force, ensuring consistent electrical contact across different wire cross-sections and loads, simplifying assembly and production, while being versatile for use in various electrical devices.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient reaction of the inclined arm (112) with respect to the vertical arm (111)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
Spring part for retaining wires (1,1a) inside electric terminal blocks (300;1300), comprising a conductor body (110) substantially in the form of an overturned "U", with one arm (111) substantially parallel to the vertical direction (Z-Z) and one arm (112;1112) forming an acute angle with the vertical arm (111) and having a free end (112a;1112a), the two arms (111,112;1112) being connected together by a convex curved section (113) able to produce the resilient reaction of the inclined arm (112;1112) with respect to the vertical arm (111), the vertical arm (111) being joined to a U-shaped base (120) comprising a first vertical arm (121) for connection to the vertical arm (111) of the body (110), a second vertical arm (122) with a free end (122a) and a longitudinal section (123) connecting together the two vertical arms, said base (120) being designed for stable engagement with a conducting part (200) of the electric terminal block (300;1300).