Connection Terminal Spring Clamp for Tool-Free Conductor Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal blocks require complex tools or mechanisms for releasing and clamping electrical conductors, making the connection process cumbersome and difficult to handle.
Innovation Solution
A terminal block design featuring a spring element with a clamping leg that can be elastically deflected into a release position, allowing easy insertion and removal of electrical conductors, and a release element that interacts with the conductor to automatically shift the clamping arm into a clamping position for secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tool or complex mechanism is used to release the clamping arm, then the clamping arm can be reliably released, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block performs the release operation automatically using the electrical conductor itself as the actuating element. When the conductor is inserted, it directly triggers the release mechanism through its own movement, eliminating the need for external tools or complex actuating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a tool to push the clamping arm to release it, the invention inverts the approach by having the inserted conductor itself perform the releasing action. The conductor's insertion movement is converted into the releasing force, reversing the conventional tool-actuated mechanism.
2Reliability
If the clamping arm is held in a fixed clamping position, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in inserting conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping arm is designed to be dynamically positionable between a release position (for easy insertion) and a clamping position (for reliable contact). The arm can be actively moved between these states, allowing the system to adapt its mechanical properties based on the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping arm is preliminarily positioned in the release position before conductor insertion, creating space for easy conductor placement. After insertion, the arm is then moved to the clamping position to establish reliable electrical contact, preparing the system in advance for each operational requirement.
3Ease of operation
If a spring element with elastic deflection is used, then the clamping arm can be moved to release position, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is integrated into the clamping arm structure itself, merging the elastic deflection function with the clamping arm's primary function. This combination eliminates the need for separate elastic components while still providing the necessary mechanical compliance for easy insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping arm serves multiple functions: it provides the clamping force for electrical contact, acts as a lever for mechanical movement, and incorporates elastic deflection capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device structure.
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 reliable electrical connection and disconnection of conductors with minimal effort, ensuring secure holding and efficient assembly without the need for additional tools.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element in the form of a tension spring is provided, which, by means of elastic spring action, pulls a connected electrical conductor into contact with an associated contact element
Implementation Method 2
the clamping arm of the spring element can be deflected elastically, thus moving it into a 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) for electrical contact with the electrical conductor (2) is arranged on the housing (10), the contact element (11) having a contact section (111) with an insertion opening (112) into which the electrical conductor (2) can be inserted for electrical contact with the contact element (11). 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) has a support section (133) that engages in the insertion opening (112) and is fixed in the insertion opening (112) by the support leg (121) of the spring element (12).