Aircraft Terminal Block With Cam Clamping Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal blocks in aircraft wiring are non-waterproof, require complex assembly with multiple parts, pose risks of part loss and foreign object damage, are time-consuming, and do not allow for modularity or high current passage without premature wear.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection module with a deformable blade and cam clamping mechanism that ensures secure, efficient, and modular connection of electrical cables, featuring a clamping mechanism that locks the cable in place without torque tightening and provides high contact pressure for high current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw terminal block is used to connect electrical cables, then electrical continuity is established, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming due to multiple parts (screws, nuts, washers, shunt bar, hood)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (screws, nuts, washers, shunt bar, hood) into a single integrated terminal block body. The terminal block includes an insulating body with integrated screw terminals, shunt bars, and protective hoods all formed as one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate assembly of multiple parts and reducing complexity while maintaining electrical continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal block body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides insulation, houses and secures screw terminals, incorporates shunt bars for electrical connection, and includes integrated hoods for protection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies the overall assembly.
2Reliability
If a screw terminal block is used to connect electrical cables, then electrical continuity is established, but installation time increases due to manual tightening operations and verification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block is pre-assembled with all necessary components (screws, nuts, washers, shunt bars, hoods) integrated into the body during manufacturing. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for on-site assembly operations, manual tightening, and torque verification, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring reliable electrical continuity.
3Reliability
If a screw terminal block is used to connect electrical cables, then electrical continuity is established, but the risk of part loss and foreign object damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all components into a single terminal block body, the patent eliminates loose parts that could be lost or cause foreign object damage. The unified structure ensures all elements remain in place during installation and operation, reducing FOD risks while maintaining electrical continuity.
4Reliability
If a screw terminal block is used to connect electrical cables, then electrical continuity is established, but modularity is limited because the number of cables is fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block is designed as a modular system where the insulating body can accommodate multiple screw terminals and shunt bars in various configurations. This segmentation allows the terminal block to be adapted for different numbers and types of cable connections while maintaining reliable electrical continuity through the integrated design.
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 eliminates cable orientation issues, reduces installation time, prevents part loss, ensures secure electrical continuity, and allows high current flow with reduced heating and wear, while being modular and safe for operators.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of a blade, which is elastically deformable between a rest position in which it defines a space adapted to allow the insertion, along the X-axis, of the contact of the electrical cable termination, and a deformed position in which it clamps, transversely to the X-axis, the contact of the electrical cable termination
Implementation Method 2
at least one clamping mechanism, intended to be actuated by rotation from the outside, comprising a means for transforming a rotation into a translation, transverse to the X axis, which exerts a force (F) on the deformable part of the blade to bring it from its rest position into its deformed clamping position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Power connection module, with clamping of an electrical cable termination by a blade of which at least one deformable part is intended to constitute a part of a terminal block of a connection assembly. The invention essentially consists of an electrical connection module (3, 3', 3"; 3.1, 3.2, 3.3), intended to constitute a part of a terminal block of a connection assembly, of longitudinal axis (X), with a body provided with a cavity in which, after having been inserted, a cable termination contact is clamped between a fixed part and a transversely deformable part in contact with a blade, the clamping being carried out from the outside by a tool and by means of a clamping mechanism with a cam and force transmission part, or with a lever, housed in the body of the module.The cam clamping mechanism ensures the individual clamping of a termination contact in order to guarantee the desired electrical continuity with significant effort and in a reduced footprint within the module, the body of which is small.