Spring Terminal Assembly With Angled Conductor Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical switching devices face challenges in efficiently connecting and disconnecting electrical conductors with large cable cross-sections, particularly in cramped spaces, and require improved operability and connection options while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A clamping arrangement with two spring-loaded terminals, each with a terminal cage and spring, allowing for independent insertion and clamping of electrical conductors at angles, enabling the connection of multiple conductors with varying cross-sections and simplifying handling in tight spaces, using a nested and space-saving design with a common busbar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spring-loaded terminals are arranged to accommodate large cable cross-sections, then connection capability is improved, but device width increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging terminals side-by-side in a single row (increasing width), the invention arranges spring-loaded terminals in a nested configuration where they share a common busbar and are positioned at different angular orientations, effectively utilizing the third dimension (depth/angle) to reduce the overall device width
2Adaptability or versatility
If spring-loaded terminals are arranged at angles to one another, then connection options for multiple conductors are enabled, but handling in cramped spaces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal assembly is segmented into independent spring-loaded terminals that can be accessed and operated separately, each with its own insertion direction and control element, allowing individual connection operations without interfering with adjacent terminals even in cramped installation spaces
3Reliability
If separate busbars are used for each spring-loaded terminal, then connection independence is achieved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple spring-loaded terminals share a common busbar structure, reducing the total number of separate components and simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes, while maintaining electrical independence through the spring-loaded clamping mechanism that ensures reliable individual connections
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 enhances the operability and connection options of electrical switching devices, allowing for easy handling of conductors with large cross-sections in confined spaces, reduces the overall width, and lowers production costs by using a common busbar and shared components.
Implementation Method 1
Both spring-loaded terminals each have a terminal cage and a spring, so that an electrical conductor can be pushed into each of the two terminal cages in an insertion direction and clamped between it and the spring
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a clamping arrangement comprising a busbar and two spring-force terminals, wherein the two spring-force terminals each comprise a clamping cage and a spring, wherein an electrical conductor can be inserted into each of the two clamping cages in an insertion direction, and can be clamped between said clamping cage and the spring, and wherein the two insertion directions of the spring-force terminals are arranged at a right angle, or on opposite sides of the busbar and at an angle of 180° in relation to one another. The present invention additionally relates to a spring-force terminal which comprises a clamping cage, a spring and an operator control element for opening the spring, wherein an electrical conductor can be inserted into the clamping cage in an insertion direction, and can be releasably clamped between said clamping cage and the spring, wherein the operator control element can be moved in and against the insertion direction, and wherein the operator control element can be operated both in the insertion direction and also at a right angle to the insertion direction. The present invention further relates to an electrical switching device, in particular a circuit breaker, motor circuit breaker, a contactor or a relay, comprising a clamping arrangement of this kind.