Terminal Assembly with Segmented Pull Bar for Tool-Free Conductor Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection arrangements for high-current terminals require increased user effort due to the need for additional tools to open the clamping point, making it difficult to connect conductors efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The connection arrangement incorporates a pull bar with a clamping tab that projects into the clamping space, forming an insertion ramp, allowing direct plug-in connection of conductors without tools, and features a pivoting mechanism for self-locking to prevent unintentional disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression spring is used in the pull bar to clamp the conductor, then the connection is secure and reliable, but opening the clamping point requires additional tools and increased user effort
Solution Approach 1:
The pull bar is segmented into a fixed part and a movable part that can be independently actuated. The movable part can be opened using a simple tool inserted through the opening, while the fixed part remains stationary. This segmentation allows the compression spring to maintain reliable clamping force while enabling easy opening with minimal user effort.
Solution Approach 2:
A tool-receiving opening is introduced as an intermediary element that allows a simple tool to interact with the movable part of the pull bar. This opening serves as a mediator between the user and the clamping mechanism, enabling easy actuation of the movable part without requiring direct manual manipulation of the entire pull bar assembly.
2Force
If the pull bar is designed with a U-shape and compression spring, then the conductor clamping force is sufficient for high-current applications, but the device complexity increases due to supporting actuating elements
Solution Approach 1:
The pull bar is divided into fixed and movable segments, allowing the compression spring to be positioned between these segments. This segmentation enables the spring to generate sufficient clamping force for high-current applications while the movable segment can be actuated by a simple tool, reducing the need for complex actuating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring automatically maintains clamping force on the conductor without requiring additional actuating elements. The spring's inherent elastic property allows it to self-regulate the clamping force, eliminating the need for complex mechanical advantage systems or multiple actuators while still providing sufficient force for high-current connections.
3Ease of operation
If the clamping tab projects at a steep angle into the clamping space, then the insertion ramp effect is enhanced for easier conductor insertion, but the clamping tab occupies more space in the clamping chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping tab is designed with a localized inclined surface at its leading edge, rather than the entire tab being angled. This local quality approach provides the insertion ramp effect where needed (at the insertion point) while keeping the rest of the tab compact and minimizing its overall volume in the clamping chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping tab is designed to dynamically adjust its position during conductor insertion. As the conductor is inserted, the inclined surface guides it into place, and then the tab can pivot or shift to a compact position that minimizes space occupation in the clamping chamber while maintaining the insertion ramp function.
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 tool-free and efficient connection of conductors, reducing the effort required and ensuring secure attachment and prevention of accidental disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
The compression spring (112) is arranged between the connecting web (115) of the pull bar (111) and the current bar (110) and can be compressed when the pull bar is moved from the clamping position to an open position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection arrangement (100) for connecting an electrical conductor (300), comprising: - a current bar (110), - a pull bar (111) which has two clamping arms (113, 114) arranged parallel to each other and a connecting web (115) connecting the two clamping arms (113, 114) to each other, wherein the clamping arms (113, 114) each have a through-opening (116, 117) through which the current bar (110) is passed and through which the conductor (300) to be connected is guided in a clamping position such that the conductor (300) is clamped against the current bar (110), and - a compression spring (112) arranged between the connecting web (115) of the pull bar (111) and the current bar (110), which, when the pull bar (111) is moved from the clamping position to a The open position can be compressed, with the pull bar (111) forming at least one opening between the two clamping arms (113,114) formed clamping space (119) has a clamping tab (118) projecting into the clamping space (11), which forms an insertion ramp for inserting the conductor (300) to be connected into the clamping space (11) and by means of which the conductor (300) is clamped against the current bar (110) in the clamping position.