Connection Terminal Lever Mechanism for Tool-Free Spring Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection terminals require additional tools for actuating the clamping spring, which complicates the operation and may lead to frictional losses during the clamping and release process.
Innovation Solution
A connection terminal design featuring a two-part actuation element with a rotation element and a lever element, each with a separate axis of rotation, allowing direct user actuation without additional tools and enabling frictionless transfer of the clamping spring between clamping and open positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-axis rotation actuation element is used, then the structure is simpler, but additional tools are required for actuation and frictional losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation element is divided into two separate functional parts: a first actuation element for transferring the clamping spring to the clamping position, and a second actuation element for transferring it to the open position. Each part has its own axis of rotation, allowing independent optimization of their functions while eliminating the need for additional tools during operation.
2Loss of energy
If a single-axis rotation actuation element is used, then the device structure is simpler, but frictional losses occur during clamping and release
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism employs dynamic rotational movement about two different axes of rotation. The first actuation element rotates about a first axis to clamp the conductor, while the second actuation element rotates about a second axis to release it. This dynamic multi-axis approach reduces frictional losses by optimizing the movement path and contact points during each phase of operation.
3Productivity
If tool-based actuation is used, then the clamping mechanism is simpler, but operation requires additional tools and may cause frictional losses
Solution Approach 1:
The connection terminal is equipped with two actuation elements that can be directly operated by the user without requiring additional tools. The first actuation element enables direct user actuation to transfer the clamping spring to the clamping position, and the second actuation element allows direct release, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating tool dependency for operational tasks.
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 design simplifies operation, reduces the need for tools, and minimizes frictional losses, resulting in a compact and efficient clamping mechanism that automatically remains in the open position without user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping spring (13) arranged in the housing (10) for clamping a conductor to be connected against a current bar (12) arranged in the housing (10)
Implementation Method 2
the actuation element (14) has a rotation element (15) mounted about a first axis of rotation (17) and a lever element (16) mounted about a second axis of rotation (18)
Data Source
AI summary
A connection terminal for connecting an electric conductor includes: a housing; a current bar arranged in the housing; a clamping spring arranged in the housing for clamping the conductor to be connected against the current bar; and an actuation element for transferring the clamping spring into a clamping position and into an open position. The actuation element has a rotation element mounted about a first axis of rotation and a lever element mounted about a second axis of rotation. The clamping spring is mounted on the rotation element and the clamping spring follows a rotational movement of the rotation element at least in regions. The rotation element engages with the lever element such that during a rotational movement of the lever element about the second axis of rotation, the rotation element rotates about the first axis of rotation arranged spaced apart from the second axis of rotation.