Spring Connection Terminal With Auto-Release Clamping Leg
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection terminals require manual force or tools to release the clamping leg for easy insertion or removal of electrical cables, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A connection terminal design featuring a spring element with a locking section on the clamping leg that engages with a counter-locking section on the support leg, allowing the clamping leg to be easily deflected into a release position without manual force, and a triggering element that automatically releases the clamping leg when an electrical line is inserted, facilitating effortless connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clamping leg is locked in a release position to enable easy insertion or removal of electrical cables, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of maintaining the locked position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element automatically returns the clamping leg to its clamping position after the cable is inserted, without requiring manual intervention. The spring's elastic force self-activates to secure the cable, eliminating the need for additional actuating mechanisms while maintaining reliable locking
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-loaded during assembly to store elastic potential energy. This preliminary action ensures that when the release position is engaged, the spring is already prepared to automatically return the clamping leg to the clamping position, providing reliable automatic locking
2Reliability
If manual force or tools are required to release the clamping leg, then the reliability of maintaining clamped connection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element serves itself by automatically returning the clamping leg to the clamping position through its elastic recovery. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external tools or manual force to maintain the clamped connection, while the automatic return function provides easy release operation
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping leg is designed as a dynamic element that can move between release and clamping positions. The spring element provides the dynamic force to automatically return the leg to its functional clamping position, making the system adaptable and easy to operate without compromising connection reliability
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 easy and reliable electrical connection and disconnection of cables without the need for manual force, ensuring a simple and secure contact with the contact element, reducing the risk of incorrect operation and enhancing user safety.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element has a clamping leg which is designed to act on the electrical line in order to bring the electrical line into contact with the contact element... The clamping leg of the spring element can be elastically deflected
Implementation Method 2
the electrical line in the connected position is clamped to the contact element under the elastic spring action of the spring element
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A terminal block (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2) comprises a housing (10). A contact element (11) for electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2) and a spring element (12) are arranged on the housing (10). The spring element (12) has a clamping leg (120) for acting on the electrical conductor (2) to bring the electrical conductor (2) into contact with the contact element (11). The spring element (12) has a detent section (124) formed on the clamping leg (120), which, in a release position of the clamping leg (120), is engaged with a counter-detent section (125) formed on the support leg (121).