Press and Spring-back Terminal Block One-Handed Wire Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional terminal blocks require users to manually hold a tool to exert pressure on a retainer while inserting a lead wire, making the process inconvenient and requiring the use of both hands.
Innovation Solution
A press and spring-back terminal block design featuring a housing with an actuation space, a conductive terminal, a retainer assembly with an elastic sheet, and a rocker, allowing for one-handed lead wire insertion through a mechanism where the control member actuates the elastic sheet and rocker to secure the wire to the terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional terminal block uses a manual retainer mechanism requiring tool pressure, then the lead wire can be securely inserted, but the operation requires two hands (one holding the tool, one inserting the wire)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retainer function and the actuation mechanism into a single integrated rocker assembly. The rocker lever integrates the control member that actuates the elastic sheet, eliminating the need for separate tool operation and wire insertion hands. This merging allows one-handed operation while maintaining secure wire retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic rocker mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The rocker lever dynamically engages and disengages the control member, which in turn dynamically actuates the elastic sheet to release or clamp the lead wire. This dynamic operation enables convenient one-handed manipulation while maintaining secure connection when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the retainer is held depressed during wire insertion, then the wire can be positioned, but the user must continuously apply pressure with a tool throughout the insertion process
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker mechanism is pre-positioned in a default state where the elastic sheet is already actuated to the released position, allowing the lead wire to be freely inserted without continuous pressure application. Once insertion is complete, the rocker is simply moved to lock the wire in place, eliminating the need for continuous tool pressure during the entire insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic sheet automatically maintains the wire clamping force without requiring continuous external pressure. The rocker mechanism, when actuated, allows the elastic sheet to self-service by maintaining constant pressure on the inserted wire, freeing the user's hands immediately after the brief actuation motion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tool is used to press the retainer, then the spring sheet can be retracted to allow insertion, but the user needs to coordinate tool pressure with wire insertion using both hands
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker lever serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user's hand and the elastic sheet actuation. Instead of directly pressing the retainer with a tool while inserting the wire, the user operates the rocker lever, which mediates the force transmission to the control member and elastic sheet. This intermediary enables one-handed operation by consolidating the actuation function into a single lever motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the tool-pressing function from the insertion process by incorporating it into the rocker lever mechanism. The rocker lever is designed to be actuated by hand pressure alone, extracting the need for a separate tool. This extraction simplifies the operation to a single hand motion while maintaining the same functional effect of retracting the elastic sheet for wire insertion.
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
Facilitates easy and convenient one-handed lead wire insertion and secure electrical connection by using the elastic sheet and rocker mechanism to clamp the wire onto the conductive terminal, improving user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic sheet actuated by the control member... when the control member is actuated, it is abutted against the stopping edge in order to swing the retaining end toward one side away from the conductive terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A press and spring-back terminal block, includes a housing (1), a conductive terminal (2), a retainer assembly (3) and a rocker (4). The conductive terminal (2) is arranged inside the housing (1). The retainer assembly (3) includes a control member (30) and an elastic sheet (31) actuated by the control member (30). The elastic sheet (31) includes a stopping edge (310) and a retaining end (311) extended from the stopping edge (310) and toward the conductive terminal (2). When the control member (30) is actuated, it is abutted by the stopping edge (310) to allow the retaining end (311) to swing toward one side away from the conductive terminal (2). The rocker (4) is arranged inside the housing (1) and includes a first end portion (41) opposite from the lead wire insertion hole (11) and a second end portion driven to move relative to the control member (30).