Spring Connection Terminal for Tool-Free Flexible Conductor Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting terminals require user activation of the actuating element to pivot the clamping spring away from the bus bar for inserting flexible conductors, making the connection process cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A connecting terminal design where the actuating direction of the actuating element is transverse to the conductor insertion direction, featuring a retaining element with a pressure surface that allows flexible conductors to pivot the clamping leg into an open position upon insertion, eliminating the need for user-activated actuation of the actuating element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clamping spring is actuated by the actuating element prior to conductor insertion, then flexible conductors can be inserted into the connecting terminal, but the mounting process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming due to user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting terminal is designed so that the conductor itself activates the clamping mechanism during insertion. The conductor's insertion movement directly actuates the clamping spring to pivot the clamping leg away from the current bar, eliminating the need for separate user actuation. This self-service mechanism allows flexible conductors to be inserted without preliminary manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping spring is pre-configured in a latched open position by the retaining element, preparing the system in advance for conductor insertion. This preliminary positioning of the clamping leg away from the current bar allows flexible conductors to be inserted without resistance, and the conductor's own insertion motion subsequently triggers the clamping action, eliminating the need for separate user actuation steps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the actuating element is actuated manually, then the clamping leg can be opened for conductor insertion, but the handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the conductor's own insertion motion to activate the clamping mechanism. The conductor directly actuates the clamping spring through its insertion movement, which pivots the clamping leg away from the current bar and subsequently into the clamping position. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate manual actuation of the actuating element, reducing handling complexity while maintaining adaptability to flexible conductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion motion and clamping activation are merged into a single continuous action. The conductor's insertion movement simultaneously performs two functions: it triggers the clamping spring to open the clamping leg and then drives the clamping leg into the clamping position. This merging of operations eliminates separate steps and reduces handling complexity.
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
Facilitates easy connection of flexible conductors by allowing insertion and clamping without user intervention, reducing handling complexity and time required for connection.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping spring arranged in the conductor connection chamber and having a retaining leg and a clamping leg, wherein the clamping leg is transferrable into a clamping position and into an open position
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting terminal for connecting an electrical conductor is provided. The connecting terminal includes a housing and a conductor insertion opening formed in the housing, via which the conductor to be connected is insertable into the conductor connection chamber along an insertion direction. The connecting terminal also includes a current bar arranged in the conductor connection space of the housing and a clamping spring arranged in the conductor connection chamber and having a retaining leg and a clamping leg. The clamping leg is transferrable into a clamping position and into an open position. The connecting terminal further includes an actuating element, which is arranged displaceably in the housing along an actuating direction. The clamping leg of the clamping spring is actuatable by means of the actuating element in order to transition from the clamping position into the open position.