Terminal Block Wire-Grasping Structure with Spring-Mediated Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire-grasping structures in terminal blocks suffer from low reliability and inconvenience, as they fail to securely hold various types of electric wires, such as peeled, O-shaped, and Y-shaped terminals, and require cumbersome operations for installation.
Innovation Solution
A wire-grasping structure comprising a seat part, fixing piece, cover part, fastening piece, screw, and spring, where the screw is aligned with a threaded hole and through hole, allowing for secure wire retention between the fixing and fastening pieces, and a conical spring for enhanced stability and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple screws or clamping pieces are used to hold electric wires, then the device complexity is reduced, but the wire-grasping reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wire-grasping structure is divided into multiple functional components: a fixing piece for initial wire positioning, a fastening piece for securing the wire, and a screw mechanism for applying clamping force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, improving overall reliability while maintaining reasonable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing piece and fastening piece are nested within the terminal block body, with the screw mechanism integrated into the existing structure. The spring is positioned within the fastening piece assembly. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and improves wire-grasping reliability without significantly increasing external dimensions or overall complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional screw or clamping piece structures are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to different wire types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block design incorporates a universal wire-grasping mechanism that can accommodate multiple wire types including peeled wires, O-shaped terminals, and Y-shaped terminals. The fixing piece and fastening piece are designed with flexible geometries that adapt to different wire configurations, while the screw mechanism provides universal clamping capability. This multi-functionality is achieved through thoughtful geometric design rather than multiple specialized components, maintaining ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the wire-grasping structure have optimized local geometries: the fixing piece has a shape suited for initial wire insertion and positioning, the fastening piece has features that conform to various wire types, and the screw mechanism has a design that provides uniform clamping force. This local optimization allows a single structure to handle diverse wire types effectively
3Strength
If screws are used as wire-grasping members, then the wire fixation strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent screw removal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing piece is pre-positioned within the terminal block to provide initial wire guidance and positioning before the screw is installed. This preliminary action simplifies the installation process by pre-aligning the wire path and reducing the complexity of the tightening operation, while the screw still provides the necessary fixation strength
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary between the screw mechanism and the wire, providing continuous contact force and ensuring consistent clamping pressure. This intermediary element maintains strong wire fixation while allowing for easier operation, as the spring compensates for variations in wire thickness and positioning
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 structure provides improved wire-grasping reliability and adaptability for different wire types, ensuring secure fixation without the need for frequent screw removal, enhancing usability and material efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring vertically received in the at least one upper accommodating recess and has two ends thereof abutting against the at least one fastening piece and the at least one screw, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A wire-grasping structure for a terminal block includes a seat part, a fixing piece, a cover part, a fastening piece, a screw and a spring. The seat part has a transverse opening. The fixing piece is received in a lower accommodating recess of the seat part to slide in the seat part vertically. The cover part covers the seat part. The fastening piece is sandwiched between the cover part and the seat part. The screw is vertically received in an upper accommodating recess of the cover part and aligned with the through hole of the fastening piece and the threaded hole of the fixing piece. The spring is vertically received in the upper accommodating recess of the cover part and has two ends abutting against the fastening piece and the screw. The wire-grasping structure has good wire-grasping reliability and good applicability and is convenient to use.