Connection Terminal Pivot Actuation for Tool-Free Wire Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection terminals for electrical wires require tools for releasing and attaching wires, making the process cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A connection terminal design featuring a pivotable actuation element with sliding faces for smooth and reliable actuation, allowing the clamping leg to be moved into a release position without significant force, facilitated by a spring element and a detachment element for automatic clamping and releasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tool is used to directly move the clamping leg in prior art connection terminals, then the clamping leg can be moved from the clamping position to the release position, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires significant force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clamping element as an intermediary component between the actuation element and the clamping leg. When the actuation element pivots, it acts upon the clamping element, which in turn acts upon the clamping leg. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the actuation force and enables the clamping leg to be moved from the clamping position to the release position with minimal force, eliminating the need for tools and significantly improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a spring element that provides dynamic, elastic force to assist in moving the clamping leg. The spring element is pre-compressed and stores elastic energy that is released when the clamping leg needs to be moved to the release position. This dynamic mechanical advantage reduces the force required by the user and enables tool-free operation
2Reliability
If a pivotable actuation element with sliding faces is implemented, then smooth and reliable actuation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation element is segmented into distinct functional components: a body portion with a first sliding face, a housing portion with a second sliding face, and a clamping element. The sliding faces are separated and distributed across different components rather than being integrated into a single complex mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability while keeping individual component complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a pivotable motion in a rotational dimension rather than linear translation. The actuation element pivots about a pivot axis, and the sliding faces are oriented to accommodate this rotational movement. This dimensional change from linear to rotational actuation provides a more compact and reliable mechanism compared to traditional linear push-button designs
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
Enables easy and forceless attachment and detachment of electrical wires, reducing operational complexity and ensuring secure electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical wire is clamped to the contact element under the elastic action of the spring element
Implementation Method 2
the second sliding face being configured to slidingly support the first sliding face upon pivoting of the actuation element about the pivot axis
Data Source
AI summary
A connection terminal for connecting an electrical wire includes: a housing part; a contact element arranged on the housing part, the contact element having a contact portion for electrically contacting the electrical wire; a spring element having has a clamping leg that is adjustable relative to the housing part, the clamping leg acting on the electrical wire in a clamping position for contact with the contact portion; and an actuation element arranged on the housing part so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis, the actuation element being pivotable from an unactuated position into an actuated position so as to adjust the clamping leg from the clamping position. The actuation element has a first sliding face formed on a body portion of the actuation element. The housing part has a second sliding face formed on a housing portion.