Spring Terminal Lateral Plug Access for Compact Device Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical devices with spring connection terminals face challenges in connecting two devices without obstructing the use of terminals for conductive wires, resulting in a large overall size.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second housing on a lateral face of the device to accommodate a conductive plug from another electrical device, allowing lateral connection while maintaining access to front-facing connection terminals for wire connections, thus reducing the device's height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If connection terminals are positioned on the front face of the device, then wire connections can be made, but connecting two devices requires a large overall height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lateral connection opening on the side face of the device body, transitioning from front-face-only connection to multi-dimensional connection access. This allows connection plugs to approach from the lateral direction, enabling device stacking in the vertical direction without blocking front connection terminals, thus reducing overall height while maintaining terminal accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection functionality is segmented into two independent access paths: front connection openings for wire connections and lateral connection openings for plug connections. This segmentation allows simultaneous access to both connection types without interference, resolving the conflict between compact height and operational ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electrical connection member is positioned on the front faces to connect two devices, then device connection is achieved, but the connection terminals cannot be used for conductive wire connections
Solution Approach 1:
By adding lateral connection openings on the side faces, the patent enables connection plugs to approach from the lateral direction rather than from the front. This dimensional change allows front connection terminals to remain accessible for wire connections while devices connect to each other laterally, achieving both versatility and compact height.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate access points: front openings dedicated to wire connections and lateral openings for device-to-device plug connections. This functional segmentation eliminates conflict between the two connection modes, allowing simultaneous use of both terminal types without increasing overall height.
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 the connection of two electrical devices laterally, preserving access to front-facing terminals for wire connections and minimizing the assembly's height.
Implementation Method 1
at least one clamping spring intended to maintain the end of a conductive wire in contact with the connecting piece
Implementation Method 2
a connection part, connected to a conductive bar, making it possible to ensure the connection of at least one conductive wire with electrical components
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The apparatus (2) has a spring connection terminal housed in an insulating body (4), and including a U-shaped connection piece to connect conducting wires with electrical components connected to a conductive bar. The piece has a housing to receive a conducting plug (23) of another apparatus or an electrical connection part (21). The housing is located against a lateral connection opening arranged in a lateral face (8) of the body, where the lateral face is transversally extended between front and rear faces (7, 5) of the body. An independent claim is also included for an electrical assembly comprising an electrical apparatus and an electrical connection part.