Connection Terminal Actuating Section Integration

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connection terminals require complex actuation mechanisms to open the clamping point, limiting integration and space efficiency within the insulating material housing.

Innovation Solution

The connection terminal incorporates an actuating section formed integrally with the clamping spring, allowing for tensile force-based actuation, enabling the use of various kinematics such as levers, slides, or wheels to open the clamping point, and a locking lever to maintain the open position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional actuation mechanisms are used to open the clamping point, then the clamping spring can be opened, but the integration and space efficiency within the insulating material housing is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of actuation mechanismsVSAvoidspace utilization in housing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating section is formed integrally with the clamping spring as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms. This merging of functions allows the clamping spring itself to serve as the actuation element, significantly improving integration and reducing space requirements within the insulating material housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping spring performs multiple functions: it provides the clamping force to hold the conductor, acts as the actuation element through its actuating section, and integrates the operating element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional components, improving both integration and space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If complex actuation mechanisms are used, then the clamping point can be opened, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening of clamping pointVSAvoidactuation mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating section is formed integrally with the clamping spring as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms. This merging of functions allows the clamping spring itself to serve as the actuation element, significantly improving integration and reducing space requirements within the insulating material housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping spring is designed to be self-actuating through its actuating section, which directly engages with the operating element. The spring's own structure provides the mechanism for opening and closing, eliminating the need for external complex actuation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the actuating section is formed integrally with the clamping spring, then integration and space utilization are enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of actuating sectionVSAvoidintegral forming of actuating section

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating section is formed integrally with the clamping spring as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms. This merging of functions allows the clamping spring itself to serve as the actuation element, significantly improving integration and reducing space requirements within the insulating material housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design enhances actuation integration and space utilization, allowing for efficient opening and closing of the clamping mechanism using tensile forces, improving the overall design and functionality of the connection terminal.

Implementation Method 1

a clamping spring (4) with a contact section (6), an adjoining spring bow (7) and a clamping section (8) adjoining the spring bow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2400595B1Connection terminal

Publication Date: 2015.06.03 WAGO VERW GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

A terminal block (1) with an insulating housing (2) and with at least one spring clamp unit comprising a clamping spring (4) and a busbar section (3) within the insulating housing (2) is described. The clamping spring (4) has a contact section (6) and a clamping section (8) shaped for clamping an electrical conductor against the busbar section (3). The clamping spring (4) has an actuating section (13) extending from the clamping section (8), which extends away from the direction of the spring force of the clamping spring (4) acting on the clamping section (8) and is oriented for actuation by a fastening element (16, 31, 33, 39) such that the actuating element (16, 31, 33, 39) can be brought into engagement with the actuating section (13) to exert a tensile force on the actuating section (13) when the actuating element (16, 31, 33, 39) is displaced against the spring force in order to open the clamping spring (4).