Terminal Contact Assembly with Direct Leaf Spring Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical connection terminals face issues with the metal leaf spring and conductive support detaching due to deformation of the plastic housing, leading to security problems and inconvenient assembly.

Innovation Solution

The electrical contact assembly structure features a conductive support with a connected section and a metal leaf spring with a connection section that can be directly assembled, using a plug plate with shoulder and stop sections to securely attach to the conductive support without external housing, ensuring stable connection through a socket and plug mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the metal leaf spring is simply located by the internal structure of the plastic housing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to detachment from conductive support

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the metal leaf spring and conductive support into an integrated assembly where the connection section of the metal leaf spring is directly connected to the conductive support. This integration ensures that when the plastic housing deforms, both components move together as a unit, preventing relative displacement and detachment, thereby maintaining reliable electrical connection while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing pre-formed connection sections on the metal leaf spring and corresponding connected sections on the conductive support before assembly. These connection structures are designed in advance to ensure proper alignment and secure attachment, preventing future detachment issues without requiring complex additional structures during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If the conductive leaf spring and current bar are connected without a connection structure, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to relative displacement and detachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly convenienceVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection system into distinct functional sections: the connection section of the metal leaf spring, the connected section of the conductive support, and the abutment section for wire contact. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently with optimized structures while ensuring they assemble together reliably, maintaining both ease of manufacture and connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the metal leaf spring is compressed and rotated to fasten into the conductive support, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to troublesome assembly process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through the elastic properties of the metal leaf spring. The spring's natural elasticity allows it to self-align and self-secure into the conductive support without requiring external compression or rotation operations. The elastic deformation during assembly automatically creates a secure fit, improving ease of operation while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process while maintaining a secure connection between the metal leaf spring and conductive support, preventing detachment and enhancing operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

The abutment section serves to elastically abut against a conductive wire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the metal leaf spring can be connected with the conductive support... the conductive wire is electrically connected with the conductive support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4346015A1Electrical contact assembly structure of terminal device
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 SWITCHLAB INC
  • EP4346015A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4346015A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4346015A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electrical contact assembly structure of terminal device includes a conductive support and a metal leaf spring. A connected section is disposed on the conductive support. A curved section is formed at a middle portion of the metal leaf spring. A connection section and an abutment section are respectively disposed at two ends of the metal leaf spring. The connection section can be directly assembled with the connected section. The abutment section serves to elastically abut against a conductive wire, which extends into the conductive support from outer side, whereby the conductive wire is electrically connected with the conductive support. The manufacturing and assembling processes of the electrical contact assembly structure are facilitated. In addition, the metal leaf spring can keep securely connected with the conductive support without the location of an external plastic housing.