Spring Force Terminal Release Mechanism for Low-Force Conductor Clamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring-loaded clamps for electrical conductors face challenges in easy and safe release from the latching state, requiring higher forces and complex structural designs, especially when dealing with stranded conductors and varying conductor types.
Innovation Solution
The design features a trigger element positioned perpendicular to the conductor insertion direction, acting on the pusher to release it from the locking position with low force, and includes a rocker arm trigger element and aligned locking edges for easy release, allowing for compact and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clamping spring is designed to self-lock in the closed position, then reliable electrical contact is ensured, but the release from latched state requires high forces and complex structural design
Solution Approach 1:
A trigger element is introduced as an intermediary component between the conductor and the clamping spring release mechanism. The trigger element translates the insertion force of the conductor into a controlled motion that releases the pusher from its latched position, thereby releasing the clamping spring without requiring high forces directly on the release mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the conductor itself as the actuating force for release. When the conductor is inserted, it automatically triggers the release mechanism through the trigger element, eliminating the need for external tools or complex manual release operations. The conductor's own insertion motion serves to release the clamping spring.
2Ease of operation
If the trigger element acts perpendicular to the conductor insertion direction, then release can be achieved with low force, but the structural design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger element is oriented perpendicular to the conductor insertion direction, utilizing a different spatial dimension for the release action. This dimensional change allows the trigger to be actuated by the conductor's insertion force while translating this motion into perpendicular movement that releases the pusher, achieving low-force operation through geometric transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger element employs curved or angled surfaces that convert the linear insertion force of the conductor into perpendicular motion. The geometric design of the trigger's contact surfaces transforms the direction of force application, enabling efficient force transmission with minimal required input force.
3Ease of operation
If the pusher is displaceable perpendicular to the insertion direction, then the clamping spring can be released easily, but the housing design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher is designed with dynamic displacement capability perpendicular to the insertion direction, allowing it to move freely in this direction when triggered. This dynamic design enables the pusher to be released from its latched position with minimal force, as it can move perpendicular to the main insertion axis rather than requiring forceful action against a rigid constraint.
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 configuration enables easy and safe release of the clamping spring from the latching state with minimal force, suitable for both solid and stranded conductors, maintaining self-locking and ensuring reliable electrical contact.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping spring (7) having a support leg (7a) and a pivoting clamping leg (7b), which has a clamping edge (7d) for acting on the conductor (10) with spring force
Implementation Method 2
a trigger element (12) arranged in the chamber (4) to the side of the end (11c) of the pusher (11) or above the end of the pusher, with which a force can be exerted on the pusher (11) in order to release the pusher (11) from the open position
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a spring force terminal (1), in particular a direct plug-in terminal, for connecting a conductor (10) which can be designed as a flexible stranded conductor, having at least the following features: a housing (3) with a chamber (4) and a plug-in channel (5) for the conductor into the chamber (4), a busbar (8) and/or a clamping cage (13), and a clamping spring (7) which is arranged in the chamber (4) and acts as a compression spring for fixing the electric conductor (10) on the busbar (8) and/or the clamping cage (13) in the region of a clamping point (K), wherein the clamping spring (7) has a clamping limb (7b) that can be pivoted about a pivot axis and can be adjusted from a latching state (R), in which the clamping limb is latched in a latching position, into a clamping state (K), in which the clamping limb is unlatched out of the latching state and pushes the electric conductor (10) against the busbar (8) or the clamping cage (13), and the latching state is produced by pressure acting on the clamping limb (11) in a conductor plug-in direction using a pusher (11). The clamping limb (7b) can be released from the latching state (R) using two differently actuatable adjustment means. The second trigger element (12) is designed to release the pusher (11) out of the latching position and thereby also release the clamping limb (7b) out of the latching state (R), said trigger element (12) being designed and arranged in the chamber (4) laterally of the pusher (11) such that the trigger element acts on the pusher perpendicularly to the conductor plug-in direction (X) or substantially perpendicularly to the conductor plug-in direction (X) in order to release the pusher out of the latching position.