Two-Part Operating Element for Compact Electrical Connection Terminal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection terminals require a large installation space due to the large pivoting angle of the actuating element, which necessitates additional space in the terminal housing, leading to a wider design.
Innovation Solution
The actuating element is designed as two separate components, allowing the actuating arm to pivot relative to the base body, reducing the necessary pivoting angle and eliminating the need for additional space, with a symmetrical arrangement enabling even loading of the spring element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuating element is designed as an integrally formed one-piece structure with a large actuating arm, then the spring element can be effectively actuated, but the connection terminal requires a larger installation space and wider housing
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is divided into two separate components: a base body and an actuating arm. The actuating arm is designed to be pivotably mounted on the base body, allowing it to achieve the necessary actuation range while the base body remains compact. This segmentation enables the actuating arm to follow the pivoting movement of the base body without requiring additional free space in the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating arm is designed with a pivoting joint that allows it to dynamically adjust its position relative to the base body. This dynamic configuration enables the actuating arm to achieve the required actuation range while maintaining a compact overall structure, as the actuating arm can pivot to follow the base body's movement rather than requiring a large fixed pivoting angle.
2Reliability
If the actuating element requires a large pivoting angle to actuate the spring element, then the spring element can be released from its latching position, but additional free space must be created in the connection terminal housing
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the actuating element into a base body and a pivotably mounted actuating arm, the system achieves spring element release functionality without requiring the entire actuating element to pivot through a large angle. The actuating arm follows the base body's pivoting movement, reducing the space requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating arm is effectively nested within the movement envelope of the base body, following its pivoting path. This allows the actuating arm to achieve the necessary actuation range while being contained within the space defined by the base body's rotation, eliminating the need for additional housing width.
3Device complexity
If the actuating arm is integrally formed with the base body, then the structure is simpler, but the overall width of the connection terminal must be increased to accommodate the actuating element's rotational movement
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is segmented into a base body and an actuating arm that are separately formed and then assembled. The actuating arm is pivotably mounted on the base body, which allows for a more compact configuration compared to an integrally formed structure. This segmentation increases assembly complexity slightly but dramatically reduces the terminal width requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable joint between the actuating arm and base body introduces dynamic movement capability that allows the actuating arm to follow the base body's rotation. This dynamic configuration enables a compact design where the actuating arm does not require additional space beyond the base body's rotational envelope, unlike a rigid integrally formed 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
This design reduces the overall width of the connection terminal while maintaining functionality, preventing tilting of the spring element and allowing for compact installation by limiting the pivoting movement of the actuating arm within the base body.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating arm (17) is designed to be pivotable relative to the base body (16) in such a way that a pivoting angle (beta) of the actuating arm (17) is smaller than a pivoting angle (alpha) of the base body (16)
Implementation Method 2
a spring element (13), which can be actuated by means of the actuating element (15) to transfer the spring element (13) from a closed position into an open position
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject matter of the invention is an electrical connection terminal (100) comprising a connection terminal housing (10) which has a conductor insertion opening (11), a busbar (12) which is arranged in the connection terminal housing (10), a spring element (13) which is rotatably mounted in the connection terminal housing (10) and can be pivoted into an open position and into a closed position, wherein a conductor, which is inserted into the conductor insertion opening (11), can be clamped against the busbar (12) by means of the spring element (13) in the closed position, and an operating element (15) which is rotatably mounted in the connection terminal housing (10) and by means of which the spring element (13) can be operated in order to move into the open position and into the closed position, wherein the operating element (15) has a main body (16), which has a tool insertion opening (18), and an operating arm (17). The main body (16) and the operating arm (17) are of two-part design, wherein the operating arm (17) is designed such that it can be pivoted relative to the main body (16).