Spring Terminal Clamping Leg Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring-loaded terminals struggle with releasing the latching state, requiring high forces and leading to wear on clamping edges, especially when used with stranded conductors, and lack flexibility in releasing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design allows for the latching state to be released by inserting the conductor, using a pusher coupled with a movable trigger element that interacts with the clamping leg, enabling two methods of releasing the locking position: through the conductor or an actuating element, reducing the required force and preventing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latching state is released by inserting the conductor into the clamping edge, then the latching position can be released, but high forces are required and wear occurs on the clamping edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pusher as an intermediary element between the conductor and the clamping leg. The pusher transfers the force from the conductor to the clamping leg, enabling release of the latching state without applying high forces directly to the clamping edge. This mediator prevents wear on the clamping edge while facilitating easy release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical interaction between the conductor and clamping edge with an indirect mechanism involving the pusher and trigger element. This substitution transforms the release mechanism from a direct force application on the clamping edge to a controlled mechanical sequence that reduces force requirements and prevents wear.
2Device complexity
If a single adjustment means is used to release the clamping leg, then the device is simpler, but reliability is reduced when one method fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by providing two adjustment means (conductor insertion and actuating element) that can both achieve the same function of releasing the latching state. This universal approach ensures that if one method fails or is not suitable, the other can be used, thereby enhancing reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If the clamping edge is used for locking, then the latching state is secure, but wear occurs on the clamping edge due to repeated locking
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact and wear between the conductor and clamping edge during the locking and release operations. By transferring forces through the pusher mechanism, the clamping edge is protected from wear while maintaining secure latching functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a functional copy of the locking mechanism where the pusher replicates the locking action without involving the clamping edge in the wear-prone interaction. The trigger element and pusher system copies the essential locking function while protecting the original clamping edge from wear.
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 approach allows for efficient and precise release of the clamping leg with minimal force, suitable for both solid and stranded conductors, enhancing the functionality and durability of the spring-loaded terminals.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping spring (7), in particular a compression spring, which presses the conductor (10) against the busbar (8)
Implementation Method 2
the pusher (11) is coupled to a movable trigger element (12) that interacts with the clamping leg (7b) and which can be moved by pressure from the conductor (10) in order to also release the pusher (11) from its position
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a
Figure 2b~3b
AI summary
Disclosed is a spring terminal (1), more particularly a direct clamp terminal, for connecting a conductor (10) that can be in the form of a flexible stranded conductor, the spring terminal having at least the following features: a. a housing (3, 30, 40) with a chamber (4) and an insertion passage (5) for inserting the conductor into the chamber (4), b. a bus bar (8) or a clamping cage (13), c. a clamping spring (7) which is located in the chamber (4) and which acts as a compression spring, for securing the electrical conductor (10) to the bus bar (8) or the clamping cage (13) in the region of a clamping point (K), d. wherein the clamping spring (7) has a clamping limb (7a) that can be pivoted about a pivoting axis and that can be shifted from a detent mode (R), in which it is locked in a detent position, into a clamping mode (K), in which it is released from the detent mode and presses the electrical conductor (10) against the bus bar (8) or the clamping cage (13), and wherein e. the clamping limb (7c) can be released from the detent mode (R) using two different shifting means.