U-Bolt Electrical Connection Device for Conductor Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connection devices require complex assembly, which complicates the process of connecting to electrical conductors without physically interrupting them.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connection device featuring an elastic holding member with a U-shaped flexible lamella and adjustable parts, including a screw, allows for easier assembly and optimized clamping force by opposing elastic resistance and enabling adjustable positioning of stirrups to form jaws around the conductor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional electrical connection device with multiple separate parts is used, then the connection stability is satisfactory, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate parts (first stirrup, second stirrup, elastic holding member) into a single integrated connection device. The first and second stirrups are connected through the elastic holding member, forming a unified structure that maintains connection stability while simplifying assembly. This merging of components directly addresses the contradiction by reducing the number of separate parts without compromising the reliable connection between conductors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If the device uses fixed positioning of stirrups, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the adaptability to various conductor diameters decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to conductor diameters
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an elastic holding member that enables dynamic adjustment of the distance between the first and second stirrups. This elastic component allows the device to adapt to various conductor diameters while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process. The elasticity provides the necessary flexibility without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the hooks are positioned far apart, then the ease of inserting conductor is improved, but the clamping force on the conductor decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of inserting conductorVSAvoidclamping force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the holding member to dynamically adjust the distance between hooks during operation. When the conductor is inserted, the elastic deformation allows the hooks to move apart for easy insertion, then returns to its original state to provide adequate clamping force. This parameter change through elastic deformation resolves the contradiction between ease of insertion and clamping force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution simplifies the assembly process and enhances the device's stability and grip on conductors, accommodating various diameters through symmetrical hooks and elastic resistance, ensuring a secure connection.

Implementation Method 1

designed to oppose an elastic resistance to any force tending to bring this active part closer to the first base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic resistance: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2034559B1Electrical connection device, application and method of use
Publication Date: 2010.03.24 LEGRAND FRANCE SA
  • EP2034559B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2034559B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The device has a piece e.g. folded and cut metallic blank, surrounding or contributing to surround an electrical conductor (C) in a clamping manner, where the piece takes the form of an U bolt presenting of lateral wings extending from a central base in directions parallel to a common direction. The central base connects the wings by extending a direction transversal to the common direction. The wings define two hooks in which the electrical conductor is inserted, where the hooks have respective openings oriented in opposite directions.