Spring-Loaded Switchgear Terminal for Tool-Free Busbar Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation or connection of switching devices, particularly those using busbars, is time-consuming, complicated, and prone to errors due to the difficulty in checking contact pressure without tools, which can lead to impaired power supply or device damage.
Innovation Solution
The use of a connection terminal with a clamping opening extension and a spring for applying contact pressure, allowing for tool-free installation and secure connection of conductors, including busbars, while preventing unauthorized access and maintaining compatibility with existing housing designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clamping screws are used to secure connection conductors, then the connection can be secured, but the installation becomes time-consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the clamping screw from the connection terminal, extracting the troublesome fastening element while retaining the essential clamping function through a spring-loaded mechanism. This eliminates the time-consuming screw tightening operation while maintaining secure electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded clamping element automatically applies contact pressure to secure the connection conductor when inserted into the clamping area. The mechanism serves itself by using elastic force to maintain continuous contact pressure without requiring manual intervention or tools for tightening.
2Reliability
If clamping screws are used, then connection can be secured, but the installation becomes prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism automatically secures the connection conductor through elastic contact pressure, eliminating the need for manual screw tightening operations that are prone to human error. The self-securing nature ensures consistent and reliable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual screw tightening mechanism with an automatic spring-loaded system. This substitution eliminates the error-prone manual operation while maintaining the mechanical securing function through elastic force.
3Reliability
If busbars are firmly screwed, then connection is secure, but it becomes difficult to check contact pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides inherent feedback about contact pressure through the elastic deformation of the spring. The visible compression state of the spring element allows easy verification that adequate contact pressure is applied, eliminating the difficulty of checking tightly secured screw connections.
4Ease of manufacture
If screw terminals are used, then connection can be made, but tools such as screwdrivers are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the screw and screwdriver requirement from the connection terminal design, replacing it with a tool-free spring-loaded clamping mechanism that maintains all essential terminal functionalities without needing external tools for installation.
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
Enables quick, uncomplicated, and secure installation of switching devices, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring reliable power supply while maintaining low manufacturing and storage costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring (7) for applying a contact pressure (40) acting in the direction of a closed position of the clamping area (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a switchgear (1), preferably a circuit breaker, especially a fault-current circuit breaker and/or a line safety switch. Said switchgear comprises at least one connecting terminal (2) with one connecting area (3) for receiving at least one terminal lead (4), preferably having a rectangular cross-section, especially of a contact (5) of a busbar (6). The aim of the invention is to facilitate a simple, straightforward and rapid installation or wiring of the switchgear, especially without tools such as, e.g., a screwdriver. For this purpose, the connecting terminal (2) comprises at least one spring (7) for applying a contact pressure which is effective in the direction of a closed position of the connecting area (3).