Electrical Terminal Actuating Element Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection terminals pose a risk of injury to users due to uncontrolled rotational movement of the actuating element when transitioning the spring element from a closed to an open position, especially under high spring forces.
Innovation Solution
The actuating element has a free space or recess that allows the spring element to pivot into an open position without triggering a rotational movement of the actuating element, decoupling the movement of the spring element from the actuating element, thereby preventing uncontrolled rotation and reducing the risk of injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuating element is directly coupled to the spring element to enable opening movement, then the spring element can be actuated from closed to open position, but the actuating element undergoes uncontrolled rotational movement at high speed due to high spring forces, posing injury risk to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The opening movement is segmented into two independent phases: first the actuating arm releases the retaining section from the detent, then the spring element pivots into the free space independently. This segmentation decouples the actuating element from the spring element's rotational movement, eliminating the harmful uncontrolled rotation while preserving the opening function.
Solution Approach 2:
The free space acts as an intermediary that receives the spring element during its opening movement. This intermediary space allows the spring element to pivot without transmitting rotational movement to the actuating element, thereby mediating between the need for opening movement and the need to prevent uncontrolled rotation.
2Ease of operation
If the actuating element is directly coupled to the spring element, then the spring element can be actuated, but high restoring forces are transmitted to the actuating element and tool, reducing user comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission is segmented so that only the detent release function is coupled to the actuating element, while the high restoring forces during opening movement are isolated in the free space. This segmentation allows actuation with minimal force while preventing transmission of high restoring forces to the tool and user.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a decoupling mechanism is introduced to prevent uncontrolled rotation, then user safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The free space is merged with the actuating element's structure, forming an integrated design where the actuating element's base body incorporates the recess that receives the spring element. This merging achieves decoupling functionality without requiring separate additional components, thus improving safety without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The free space serves multiple functions: it decouples the actuating element from uncontrolled rotational movement, provides a path for the spring element's opening movement, and prevents transmission of high restoring forces. This multi-functionality achieves safety improvements without adding dedicated decoupling components.
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 user safety by eliminating the risk of injury from uncontrolled rotational movements and provides a more comfortable operating experience by eliminating the transfer of high restoring forces to the actuating element and tool, without requiring additional components for decoupling.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element rotatably mounted in the housing which can be pivoted into an open position and into a closed position, wherein in the closed position a conductor inserted into the conductor entry opening can be clamped against the busbar by means of the spring element
Implementation Method 2
the actuating wall of the actuating element slides through the slot of the spring element until the end of the actuating wall abuts a leg of the spring element from the inside, so that when the actuating element is pivoted further, the spring element is also pivoted into the open position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The subject matter of the invention is an electrical connection terminal comprising a housing (1) having a conductor insertion opening (2a, 2b), a busbar (3) arranged in the housing (1), a spring element (4a, 4b), which is mounted rotatably in the housing (1) and which is pivotable into an open position and into a closed position, wherein, in the closed position, a conductor inserted into the conductor insertion opening (2a, 2b) can be clamped against the busbar (3) by means of the spring element (4a, 4b), and an actuating element (15a, 15b), which is mounted rotatably in the housing (1) and has an actuating arm (18a, 18b), and by means of which the spring element (4a, 4b) can be actuated so as to be transferred into the open position and into the closed position, wherein the actuating element (15a, 15b) has a clearance (19a, 19b) matched to the spring element (4a, 4b), into which clearance the spring element (4a, 4b) can be pivoted during a pivoting movement from the closed position into the open position without a rotary movement of the actuating element (15a, 15b) being triggered.