Conductor Connection Terminal Lever for Low-Force Clamp Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conductor connection terminals face challenges in effectively transferring force to the clamping leg for opening the clamping point with minimal effort while maintaining a compact design and not impairing the automatic connection mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The conductor connection terminal incorporates an actuating unit with an operating element and a separate actuating element, featuring a pivotable two-armed lever that transfers force to the clamping leg through a pivot arm and entrainer section, allowing for a compact and reliable opening mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an actuating unit is designed to move the clamping leg into the open position with minimal force, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional actuating mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating unit is divided into functionally independent components: an operating element for force application, an actuating element with pivot arm for force transmission, and a clamping leg with entrainer section for execution. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly pulling the clamping leg open, the mechanism uses a pivotable actuating element that rotates around a bearing base to indirectly move the clamping leg via the entrainer section. This inverted approach provides mechanical advantage and reduces the force required at the operating element
2Volume of moving object
If the actuating unit is designed to be compact, then the volume is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited space for force application
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element utilizes rotational movement around a bearing base instead of linear displacement, effectively using angular space rather than linear space. This dimensional change allows the mechanism to achieve adequate leverage and operating space within a compact volume by exploiting the circular path of the pivot arm
3Ease of operation
If a separate actuating element is introduced, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is integrated with the clamping spring assembly through the entrainer section, combining the actuation function with the existing clamping mechanism. The pivot arm connects to the clamping leg via the entrainer section, merging force application with the clamping action rather than requiring a completely separate actuation system
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element with its pivot arm and bearing base serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical advantage for easy operation, defines the movement path of the clamping leg, and integrates with the automatic connection mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components
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 design enables a clamping leg to be moved into an open position with minimal force application, ensuring a compact and stable actuating mechanism that supports automatic conductor connection.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating element forming a two-armed lever, pivotable around the bearing base, whose lever arms are formed by the actuating section and the pivot arm
Implementation Method 2
the clamping spring having a contact leg, a spring bend, and a clamping leg
Data Source
AI summary
A conductor connection terminal with a conductor insertion channel is disclosed, which includes an insulating housing, a busbar, a clamping spring, and an actuating unit. The clamping spring has a contact leg, a spring bend, and a clamping leg. The clamping leg, together with the busbar, forms a clamping point for an electrical conductor insertable into the conductor insertion channel. The clamping leg is movable between an open position and a closed position for the purpose of opening and closing the clamping point. The actuating unit is designed to move the clamping leg into the open position. The clamping point is formed, in particular, by a clamping edge on the clamping leg, which is generally situated on the free end of the clamping leg.