Spring Connection Terminal with Sliding Actuation Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring connection terminals with actuation levers are prone to accidental operation during installation, leading to loosening of the blocking action and potential electrical discharges when installed in wall boxes, due to pressure from electrical cables.
Innovation Solution
A spring connection terminal with a slidable actuation lever and inhibition elements that prevent rotation in the rest position, ensuring secure locking and preventing accidental loosening, featuring a locking mechanism with stop projections and a rotation shaft to maintain the locking position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotatable actuation lever is used to allow conductor insertion and locking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to accidental operation during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation lever is transformed from a rotatable mechanism to a slidable mechanism that moves along a linear path. This dynamic change eliminates the rotational degree of freedom that caused accidental operation, while maintaining the ability to switch between insertion and locking positions through controlled linear movement.
Solution Approach 2:
A inhibition element is introduced as an intermediary component between the actuation lever and the locking spring. This mediator prevents the lever from rotating accidentally during installation by blocking the rotational path, while still allowing intentional sliding operation to function.
2Ease of operation
If the actuation lever is rotatable between insertion and blocking positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to potential electrical discharges
Solution Approach 1:
The linear sliding motion of the actuation lever provides a more controlled and predictable movement path compared to rotation. This reduces the risk of incomplete operation or accidental disengagement that could lead to exposed live conductors and subsequent electrical discharges.
Solution Approach 2:
The inhibition element provides preliminary prevention by blocking accidental rotation before it can occur during installation. This pre-emptive measure eliminates the hazard of loose connections and exposed conductors before they can cause electrical discharges.
3Ease of operation
If pressure is exerted on the actuation lever during installation, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability deteriorates due to loosening of the blocking action
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable actuation lever design with linear movement path is more resistant to unintended movement from installation pressure compared to a rotatable lever. The linear guides and inhibition elements constrain the motion to a precise path, preventing pressure-induced loosening of the blocking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The inhibition element acts as a mediator that prevents the transmission of installation pressure into unwanted rotational movement. By blocking the rotational degree of freedom, it ensures that pressure applied during installation does not compromise the reliability of the locking mechanism.
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 solution provides a secure and reliable electrical connection by preventing accidental actuation of the locking spring, ensuring stable contact and preventing electrical discharges during installation and operation.
Implementation Method 1
the locking spring (3) elastically deforms to allow the insertion of the electrical conductor (W1) in the terminal (2)
Implementation Method 2
an actuation lever (7) that can be rotated around an axis of rotation between an angular insertion position and an angular blocking position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A spring connection terminal (2) is described for an electrical apparatus (1), said terminal (2) comprising: - a case (4) in electrically insulated material having a conductor aperture (5) provided to permit the insertion of an electric conductor (W1) in said terminal (2); - a locking spring (3) housed in said case (4), the locking spring (3) being a leaf spring provided to block the electric conductor (W1) inserted in the conductor aperture (5) so as to establish an electric connection between the electric conductor (W1) and said terminal (2) ; - an actuation lever (7) adapted to cooperate with the locking spring (3) to permit the insertion of the electric conductor in said terminal, said lever (7) being adapted to assume an operating position in which said lever (7) can rotate around a rotation axis between a first angular position and second angular position different from each other. Said terminal (2) being characterised in that it comprises at least one inhibition element (8) provided to prevent a rotation of said lever (7) in a first direction, said lever (7) being adapted to assume a rest position in which the rotation of the actuation lever (7) in said first direction is prevented by said at least one inhibition element (8) and said lever (7) being selectively movable in a sliding manner between said operating position and said rest position.