Spring-Loaded Terminal Latching to Reduce Clamping Edge Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring-loaded terminals for electrical conductors suffer from high wear of the clamping edge and issues with incorrect plugging or premature release of the clamping spring, particularly when used with stranded conductors.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded terminal design that separates the latching mechanism of the clamping spring from the clamping edge, using a retaining spring to keep the clamping leg in an open position during conductor insertion, and a counter-latching device that releases the conductor to press it against the busbar, reducing wear and preventing incorrect insertion or premature release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the clamping spring is latched directly to the clamping edge, then the structure is simple, but the wear of the clamping edge increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping spring is divided into two separate functional components: a clamping spring for pressing the conductor against the busbar and a retaining spring for latching the clamping leg in the open position. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without subjecting the clamping edge to wear during latching operations, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching function is extracted from the clamping edge and transferred to a separate retaining spring mechanism. The retaining spring with its pivoting leg and retaining device engages with the clamping leg at a distance from the clamping edge, removing the harmful latching action from the clamping edge itself and preventing wear while maintaining functional integration.
2Device complexity
If the clamping spring is latched close to the clamping edge, then the latching mechanism is compact, but incorrect plugging or premature release may occur
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining device with a pivoting leg acts as an intermediary between the clamping leg and the housing. This intermediary mechanism provides a controlled latching action that prevents incorrect plugging by ensuring proper engagement sequence and prevents premature release through a secure latching connection, while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining spring latches the clamping leg in the open position before conductor insertion, preparing the terminal for reliable conductor engagement. This preliminary latching action ensures that the clamping mechanism is ready to receive the conductor properly and prevents incorrect plugging by maintaining the clamping leg in a controlled position throughout the insertion process.
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 design effectively reduces wear on the clamping edge and prevents incorrect plugging or premature release, ensuring reliable and durable electrical connections while maintaining a cost-effective and simple assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
a spring which is provided for fixing the electrical conductor in the spring-loaded terminal
Implementation Method 2
a compression spring that presses the conductor against the busbar
Implementation Method 3
a retaining spring for latching the clamping spring in an open position
Data Source
AI summary
A spring-loaded terminal is designed as a direct plug-in terminal for connecting a conductor. The terminal includes a busbar for contacting the conductor, a clamping spring for retaining the electrical conductor in the terminal, and a retaining spring for latching the clamping spring in an open position so that the conductor can be inserted into a contact area. The clamping spring has a pivotable clamping leg and a clamping edge. The retaining spring has a pivotable pivoting leg having at least one retaining device as a first latching device. The clamping leg has a corresponding latching device cooperating with the retaining device of the pivoting leg in a latching state of the clamping leg. The clamping leg is adjustable from the latching state by displacing the electrical conductor into a clamping state in which the clamping leg is unlatched from the retaining device and presses the electrical conductor with the clamping edge of the clamping leg against the busbar. The latching device of the clamping leg is spaced from the clamping edge of the clamping leg.