Wire Clamping Assembly With Separate Trigger for Low-Insertion Contact
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire clamping assemblies for electrical conductors are limited in their ability to accommodate various conductor types and sizes efficiently, requiring tools for operation, and lack flexibility in force application, leading to suboptimal performance and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A wire clamping assembly with separate clamping and trigger elements, allowing independent design of clamping and trigger stiffness, enabling automatic clamping with low insertion force and high holding force, accommodating a wide range of conductor types and sizes, including solid, stranded, and ferrule-equipped conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single wire clamping assembly is used to accommodate various conductor types and sizes, then adaptability is improved, but the complexity of designing a mechanism that works for all conductor types increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire clamping assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a trigger mechanism for actuation, a latch for holding the preloaded state, and a clamping spring for applying force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while working together to handle various conductor types without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping assembly is designed with universal applicability through its preloaded spring mechanism and trigger-latch system that can accommodate different conductor types (solid, stranded, ferrule-equipped) and sizes (18 AWG to 6 AWG) using the same basic structure, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools
2Force
If tool operation is required to clamp the electrical conductor, then precise control of clamping force is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly is designed to be self-actuating through the trigger-latch-spring mechanism. When the conductor is inserted, it automatically triggers the latch to release, allowing the preloaded spring to clamp the conductor without requiring external tool operation, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring consistent clamping force
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping spring is preloaded to a predetermined force level before use. This preliminary action ensures that when the trigger is activated during conductor insertion, the spring immediately applies the correct clamping force without requiring the user to manually control or measure the force, combining precision with ease of operation
3Ease of manufacture
If the clamping spring and trigger are two separate elements, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger and clamping spring are designed as separate elements, each with its own stiffness characteristics that can be independently optimized and manufactured. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process and allows for easier configuration of different stiffness values without requiring complex integrated designs
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the trigger and clamping spring, the stiffness parameters of each element can be independently adjusted and optimized for their specific functions. This allows manufacturers to configure different stiffness values based on application requirements without redesigning the entire assembly, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining functional simplicity
4Reliability
If high insertion force is required to operate the trigger, then reliability of clamping is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism incorporates a latch that holds the spring in a preloaded state during normal operation. During conductor insertion, the trigger dynamically transitions from the latched position to an unlatched position, allowing the spring to release its stored energy and clamp the conductor reliably without requiring high insertion force from the user
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 flexible operation, efficient clamping of diverse conductors without tools, ensuring reliable and cost-effective connections while withstanding mechanical stresses, 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)
Implementation Method 2
The trigger may comprise a trigger spring and, in the clamping position of the clamping spring, said trigger spring may be deflected from its position at which the latch engages the clamping spring
Data Source
AI summary
A wire clamping assembly and a connector arrangement for automatically contacting an electrical conductor upon insertion of the electrical conductor into the wire clamping assembly. The wire clamping assembly includes a clamping spring, a trigger, and a latch. The latch engages the clamping spring in a preloaded position of the clamping spring. The trigger is coupled to the latch and configured to disengage the latch when the trigger is operated, thereby releasing the clamping spring. The released clamping spring being configured to clamp the inserted electrical conductor in a clamping position of the clamping spring. The trigger is configured to be operated by the electrical conductor upon insertion of the electrical conductor into the wire clamping assembly. The trigger and the clamping spring are two separate elements.