Spring Connection Terminal With Auto-Release Cable Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection terminals require manual force and tools to adjust the clamping leg for releasing or attaching electrical cables, making the process cumbersome and prone to incorrect operation.
Innovation Solution
The connection terminal employs an actuating element with latching elements and a triggering element that automatically adjusts the clamping leg into a release position upon cable insertion, allowing for effortless cable attachment and detachment without manual force, using a combination of locking mechanisms and spring preload to ensure reliable contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual force and tools are used to adjust the clamping leg for releasing or attaching electrical cables, then the connection terminal can securely hold the cable, but the operation becomes cumbersome and prone to incorrect use
Solution Approach 1:
The connection terminal automatically detects cable insertion and triggers the release element to move the clamping leg to the release position, enabling self-service operation without manual tool intervention. The system serves itself by using the cable insertion event to initiate the release sequence
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is pre-positioned in the actuated position with locking elements engaged, preparing the clamping leg in advance to be movable. This preliminary setup allows the cable to be inserted without resistance, and the system automatically transitions to the clamped position after insertion
2Ease of operation
If the clamping leg is held in the actuated position using locking elements, then the cable can be easily inserted, but additional locking mechanisms increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the actuating element itself, which serves dual purposes: maintaining the actuated position during cable insertion and triggering the release sequence. The release element combines the triggering function with the clamping leg actuation function, reducing the need for separate mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element serves multiple functions: it holds the clamping leg in the actuated position, enables cable insertion, and triggers the automatic clamping sequence. The locking elements and release element are designed to perform multiple roles within the overall system, reducing total component count
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
This design simplifies the connection process, ensuring reliable electrical contact and reducing the risk of incorrect operation by automatically adjusting the clamping leg upon cable insertion and returning to the non-actuated position when the cable is connected, allowing for easy removal.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element having a clamping leg configured to act on the electrical line to bring the electrical line into contact with the contact element
Implementation Method 2
a spring element in the form of a tension spring, which draws a connected electrical cable into contact with an associated contact element through elastic spring action
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2
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 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). An actuating element (14) is adjustable for moving the clamping leg (120) in an actuating direction (B) from an unactuated position to an actuated position. The actuating element (14) has a first detent element (143) and a second detent element (144) which, in the actuated position of the actuating element (14), engage with a first counter-detent element (104) and a second counter-detent element (105) of the housing (10) to lock the actuating element (14).