Terminal Block S-Shaped Contact Element Clamping Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal blocks with clamping spring elements face issues of unreliable long-term clamping due to deformation of plastic insulating housings and inability to open clamping points independently, risking removal of multiple conductors simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block design featuring S-shaped conductive contact elements that absorb spring forces, allowing clamping spring elements to be securely attached to them instead of the plastic housing, with independent actuators for each clamping point to ensure separate operation and prevent accidental removal of conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clamping spring elements are fastened to the insulating housing made of plastic, then the terminal block structure is simple, but the spring forces cause deformation of the plastic housing leading to unreliable clamping after prolonged time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate metal component (the S-shaped contact element) between the clamping spring element and the insulating housing. The clamping spring element is fastened to the metal contact element rather than directly to the plastic housing. This metal intermediary absorbs the spring forces without deforming, preventing the plastic housing from deforming under load, thus maintaining reliable clamping over prolonged periods.
2Volume of moving object
If two clamping points are located on top of each other, then the terminal block is compact, but the clamping spring elements cannot be opened independently causing risk of removing multiple conductors simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the actuation mechanism into separate segments for each clamping point. Each clamping spring element is equipped with its own independent actuator that can be operated separately. This segmentation allows the first and second clamping points to be opened independently even though they are positioned vertically adjacent to each other, eliminating the risk of accidentally removing multiple conductors simultaneously while maintaining the compact vertical arrangement.
3Device complexity
If clamping spring elements are directly attached to the insulating housing, then the device complexity is low, but the plastic housing deforms under large spring forces reducing clamping reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining metal and plastic materials. The S-shaped contact element is made of metal (electrically conductive material) that can withstand and transmit the spring forces from the clamping spring elements without deforming. This metal component is integrated with the plastic insulating housing, creating a composite assembly where each material performs its optimal function: the metal handles mechanical loading while the plastic provides insulation and structural support.
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
Ensures reliable long-term clamping and independent operation of clamping points, preventing unintended removal of conductors and enhancing electrical conductivity and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
the S-shaped contact element, which is configured electrically conductive. The spring forces are thus not transmitted across the insulating housing, but rather across the S-shaped contact element
Implementation Method 2
two clamping spring elements (20, 30) which are designed as leaf springs
Implementation Method 3
the clamping spring elements lie with one contact surface on a contact surface of the S-shaped contact element, so that as large a contact surface area as possible is provided between the clamping spring elements and the S-shaped contact element and a particularly good electrically conductive contact is thus achieved
Data Source
AI summary
This invention concerns a terminal block for connecting electrical conductors with a first clamping spring element (20) and a second clamping spring element (30) for clamping the electrical conductors, with the first and the second clamping spring elements (20, 30) being displaced vertically with respect to each other and with the two clamping spring elements (20, 30) being electrically connected to each other whereby the two clamping spring elements (20, 30) are electrically connected via an essentially S-shaped contact element (10) into which the two clamping spring elements (20, 30) can be inserted from one side.