Connection Terminal Reset Mechanism for Tool-Free Conductor Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal blocks require complex tools or mechanisms for releasing and inserting electrical conductors, making the handling process cumbersome and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block design featuring a tiltable release element with a reset mechanism, allowing easy insertion and removal of electrical conductors using a push-button actuator, which automatically resets to its initial position without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tool is applied to move the clamping arm to the release position, then the clamping arm can be adjusted to release the conductor, but the operation becomes complex and requires additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The release element is designed to automatically reset to its initial position after releasing the clamping arm, without requiring external intervention or additional resetting mechanisms. The actuating element itself provides the resetting function through its restoring force, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for separate reset components.
Solution Approach 2:
The resetting function is merged with the actuating element. The actuating element that moves the clamping arm to the release position also provides the restoring force to reset the release element to its initial position, combining two functions into a single component and simplifying the overall device structure.
2Reliability
If a separate resetting mechanism is provided for the release element, then the release element can return to initial position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release element automatically resets to its initial position through the restoring force provided by the actuating element, without requiring external intervention or additional resetting mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the existing actuating element's mechanical properties to provide the resetting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element serves multiple functions: it moves the clamping arm to the release position, provides the restoring force to reset the release element, and maintains the system in a ready state for the next operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate resetting components.
3Ease of operation
If the actuating element provides restoring force to the release element, then the release element automatically resets to initial position, but the actuating element structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The resetting function is merged with the actuating element. The actuating element that moves the clamping arm to the release position also provides the restoring force to reset the release element to its initial position, combining two functions into a single component and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element serves multiple functions: it moves the clamping arm to the release position, provides the restoring force to reset the release element, and maintains the system in a ready state for the next operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate resetting 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
Facilitates easy and reliable electrical connections with minimal effort, ensuring secure holding and release of conductors, reducing the need for additional resetting mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element, which, by means of elastic spring action, pulls a connected electrical conductor into contact with an associated contact element
Implementation Method 2
the actuating element is designed to exert a restoring force in the direction of the initial position on the reset element when moved to adjust the clamping leg into the release position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A terminal block (1) for connecting an electrical conductor (2) comprises a housing (10) having a plug-in opening (101) into which the electrical conductor (2) can be inserted along a plug-in direction (E) for connection to the terminal block (1). A contact element (11) with a contact section (111) for electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2) is arranged on the housing (10). A spring element (12) arranged on the housing (10) has a support leg (121) and a clamping leg (120). The clamping leg (120) can be released from a release position by the interaction of a release element (13) with the electrical conductor (2). The release element (13) is tiltably arranged on the contact element (11) and has a return element (135). An actuating element (14) is designed to exert a restoring force on the restoring element (135) when the clamping leg (120) is moved to adjust it into the release position.