Wire Clamping Assembly With Separate Trigger for Tool-Free Contacting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical conductor clamping assemblies are limited in their ability to accommodate various conductor types and sizes, require tools for operation, and lack flexibility in force application, leading to inefficiencies in installation and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A wire clamping assembly with separate clamping and trigger elements, allowing for independent design of clamping and trigger stiffness, and featuring a latch mechanism that automatically clamps conductors upon insertion, facilitated by a reset device for easy disengagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single clamping assembly design is used for various conductor types and sizes, then adaptability is improved, but clamping force precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidclamping force precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by providing different clamping force characteristics for different regions or conductor types within the same assembly system. The clamping assembly can apply varying forces depending on the conductor size and type, ensuring precise clamping for each specific conductor while maintaining a standardized assembly design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Force

If tool operation is required for clamping, then clamping force control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping force controlVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by designing the clamping assembly to automatically apply and control clamping force without requiring external tool operation. The assembly itself contains the mechanism to generate and regulate the clamping force, eliminating the need for separate tools while maintaining precise force control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If separate clamping and trigger elements are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the separate clamping and trigger elements into an integrated assembly where the trigger mechanism is coupled with the clamping elements. This combination maintains the operational advantages of separate elements (easy triggering) while reducing overall device complexity through unified design and compact arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If high clamping forces are applied, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by providing a trigger mechanism that allows the clamping assembly to transition between different force states. The trigger enables easy initiation of clamping action with minimal force, while the assembly then maintains high clamping force for reliable operation. This dynamic force application resolves the contradiction between easy operation and high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 assembly provides versatile clamping for diverse conductor types and sizes, reduces assembly time, and ensures reliable, tool-free operation with high clamping forces, enhancing productivity and safety in automotive, electronics, and telecommunications industries.

Implementation Method 1

a clamping spring (4), a trigger (6) and a latch (8), wherein the latch (8) engages the clamping spring (4) in a preloaded position of the clamping spring (4)... the released clamping spring (4) being configured to clamp the inserted electrical conductor (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The trigger spring may be configured to be operated directly or indirectly by the electrical conductor when the electrical conductor is inserted into the wire clamping assembly... The force generated by the trigger spring and acting on the conductor should be smaller than the holding force exerted by the clamping force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4675857A1Wire clamping assembly and connector arrangement
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 TE CONNECTIVITY INDIA LTD
  • EP4675857A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4675857A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4675857A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A wire clamping assembly (1) for automatically contacting an electrical conductor (2) upon insertion of the electrical conductor (2) into the wire clamping assembly (1) is described. The wire clamping assembly (1) comprises a clamping spring (4), a trigger (6), and a latch (8), wherein the latch (8) engages the clamping spring (4) in a preloaded position (44) of the clamping spring (4); wherein the trigger (6) is coupled to the latch (8) and configured to disengage the latch (8) when the trigger (6) is operated, thereby releasing the clamping spring (4), the released clamping spring (4) being configured to clamp the inserted electrical conductor (2) in a clamping position (50) of the clamping spring (4); wherein the trigger (6) is configured to be operated by the electrical conductor (2) upon insertion of the electrical conductor (2) into the wire clamping assembly (1); and wherein the trigger (6) and the clamping spring (4) are two separate elements. Further, a connector arrangement (130) is described comprising a plurality of said wire clamping assemblies (1), wherein the connector arrangement (130) further comprises an outer housing (112), the outer housing (112) comprising a plurality of receiving receptacles (116), wherein each wire clamping assembly (1) of the plurality of wire clamping assemblies (1) is configured to be received in a receiving receptacle (116) of the plurality of receiving receptacles (116) and is electrically insulated from all other wire clamping assemblies (1) of the plurality of wire clamping assemblies (1).