Diameter adapter accessory for cable strain relief

Abstract

It is difficult for a single cable strain relief to securely secure multiple cables of different diameters. A diameter adapter auxiliary piece that can be removably mounted in the cable strain relief helps to securely secure a first cable to the cable strain relief by expanding the thickness of the first cable. The auxiliary piece has a main body formed with an adapter channel. The adapter channel has an adjustable first cross-sectional width, so that when the first cable is inserted through the adapter channel, the first cable is clamped and secured to the main body by adjusting the first cross-sectional width. When the main body surrounds the first cable, the main body has a second cross-sectional width greater than the first cross-sectional width, so that a second cable thicker than the first cable can be securely clamped by the same strain-relief channel, so that both the first cable and the second cable having different diameters are securely secured to the cable strain relief.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an auxiliary member used with a cable strain relief for assisting in securely fixing a single cable to the cable strain relief so as to enable a plurality of cables to be securely fixed to the cable strain relief even when the cables have different diameters. Background Art

[0002] A cable strain relief is a mechanical device used to attach and secure the end of a cable to a device, also known as a wire clamp or cable gland. The main purpose of using a cable strain relief is to provide strain relief to the cable, making it more difficult for the cable to fall off the device when the cable is suddenly pulled or subjected to constant tension. The accidental detachment of a cable from a device is undesirable and can even be dangerous. For example, if a cable used to power a device (such as a lighting device driver) suddenly falls off the device, it may cause damage to the equipment, or the exposed terminals of the cable may pose a safety hazard to nearby personnel. Cable strain relief is indispensable in improving equipment reliability and safety.

[0003] In practical situations, it is often necessary to fix multiple cables to a set of nearby terminals of a device. In order to reduce costs, a single cable strain relief can be used to fix all cables together. However, all cables can be safely and reliably fixed to the cable strain relief only when the sizes of all cables are the same. In practice, it is also necessary to provide strain relief for cables of different diameters. FIG. 1 depicts two conventional solutions for providing strain relief for two cables of different diameters, as an example case of illustration, in which a cross-sectional view of the corresponding cable strain relief is depicted. In the first solution 110, a single cable strain relief 111 with a channel 112 is used to securely lock a first cable 181 and a second cable 182 of different sizes. The diameter of the first cable 181 is smaller than that of the second cable 182. Although the second cable 182 is securely fixed to the cable strain relief 111 by adjusting the cross-sectional width 113 of the channel 112, the width 113 is too large to securely fix the first cable 181. The ability of the first cable 181 to resist undesirable pulling forces is greatly reduced or even eliminated. In the second solution 120, two separate cable strain reliefs, namely the first cable strain relief 121 and the second cable strain relief 122, are used to fix the first cable 181 and the second cable 182 separately. The cross-sectional widths 123, 124 of the first cable strain relief 121 and the second cable strain relief 122 can be independently adjusted to fit the diameters of the first cable 181 and the second cable 182, respectively, so that the two cables 181, 182 can be securely locked. However, the second solution 120 has several disadvantages compared to the first solution 110. One disadvantage is that the total cost of the two cable strain reliefs 121, 122 is higher than the cost of the single cable strain relief 111. Another disadvantage is in the aesthetic aspect. The first cable strain relief 121 and the second cable strain relief 122 have uneven heights, thereby forming an unsightly aesthetic impression. Although the aesthetic problem can be solved with an additional cover, this leads to additional costs. Another disadvantage also occurs when designing a device. The designer may not be sure whether the cables connected to the device are of the same size. This sometimes forces the designer to install multiple cable strain reliefs in the device. There is additional cost, but during actual use of the device, multiple cable strain reliefs are usually not required.

[0004] There is a need in the art for a technique to use a single cable strain relief to secure multiple cables of different sizes while securely locking all of the cables to the cable strain relief. Summary of the invention

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a diameter adapter aid for aiding in securely securing a first cable to a cable strain relief. The cable strain relief has a strain-relief channel for simultaneously clamping at least a first cable and a second cable. The second cable is thicker than the first cable.

[0006] The auxiliary piece includes a main body, which is formed with an adapter channel so that the first cable can be inserted into the adapter channel. The cross-section of the adapter channel has an adjustable first cross-sectional width, so that when the first cable is inserted through the adapter channel, the cross-section widens or narrows to clamp the first cable by adjusting the first cross-sectional width. The first cable is thereby fixed to the main body. The main body is configured to have a second cross-sectional width greater than the first cross-sectional width when the first cable is clamped in the adapter channel and the main body is positioned in the strain-relief channel and clamped by the strain-relief channel, wherein the second cross-sectional width is determined as the minimum cross-sectional width of the main body under the aforementioned conditions. Thus, both the auxiliary piece and the second cable can be simultaneously and securely clamped by the strain-relief channel, so that both the first cable and the second cable are securely fixed to the cable strain relief, even if the two cables have different diameters.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the adapter channel is circumferentially closed by the body such that the second cross-sectional width is greater than the first cross-sectional width.

[0008] In some embodiments, the auxiliary member further comprises a clamp for clamping the first cable. The clamp is attached to the main body and is configured to controllably narrow or widen the cross-section of the adapter channel, thereby adjusting the first cross-sectional width.

[0009] The clamping fixture may include a first edge having an adjustable depth protruding into the adapter channel to adjust the first cross-sectional width and clamp the first cable. Preferably, the first edge is grooved or corrugated for enhancing friction with the first cable. Optionally, the clamping fixture further includes an adjustable screw for adjusting the protrusion depth of the first edge.

[0010] The clamping fixture may further include a second edge attached to the body and opposite the first edge. The first edge and the second edge are used together to controllably narrow or widen the cross-section of the adapter channel. Preferably, the second edge is grooved or corrugated to enhance friction with the first cable.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the body and the clamping fixture are substantially rigid.The body and the clamping fixture may be integrally formed from the same material.

[0012] Optionally, the auxiliary member further comprises an external flange surrounding the main body for assisting the positioning of the auxiliary member in the strain-relief channel. The external flange and the main body may be integrally formed from the same material.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the body is substantially rigid such that the second cross-sectional width is a fixed width.The body may be substantially made of plastic or metal.

[0014] In some embodiments, the body is deformable to allow clamping of the first cable by pressing the body via adjustment of the strain-relief channel. The body may be substantially made of a polymer. The polymer may be an elastomer or a resin.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the body is made essentially of a composite material comprising a polymer matrix with filler particles or fibers.

[0016] Further aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed as shown in the following examples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like or functionally similar elements, contain diagrams of certain embodiments to further illustrate and clarify various aspects, advantages and features of the output load identification method and apparatus incorporating such method as disclosed herein. It should be understood that these drawings and diagrams depict only certain embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof. The diameter adapter aid disclosed herein will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 depicts two conventional solutions for providing strain relief to two cables of different sizes, depicting a cross-sectional view of a cable strain relief locking two cables;

[0019] Figure 2 depicts a cross-sectional view and a side view of a cable strain relief securing a first cable and a second cable thicker than the first cable, wherein a diameter adapter aid grips the first cable and is in turn gripped by the cable strain relief according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0020] Figure 3 Various views of the auxiliary component are depicted to illustrate the structure of the auxiliary component, wherein these views include a front view, a top view, a side view, and a cross-sectional view of the side view.

[0021] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the disclosure or the following detailed description.

[0023] In order to securely lock multiple cables of different sizes with a single cable strain relief, the thickest cable among all the cables can be first identified, and then the remaining cables can be manually expanded to have a thickness close to the thickness of the thickest cable. After expansion, the sizes of all the cables are substantially close, so that a single cable strain relief can securely lock the cables.

[0024] The present invention discloses a diameter adapter auxiliary part, which can be removably installed in a cable strain relief part, for assisting the first cable to be firmly fixed to the cable strain relief part by the aforementioned method of expanding the thickness of the first cable. The disclosed auxiliary part has the following advantages: when a second cable thicker than the first cable is clamped by the cable strain relief part at the same time, both the first cable and the second cable can be firmly fixed to the cable strain relief part, even if the two cables have different diameters.

[0025] The disclosed diameter adapter auxiliary part is Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is shown exemplarily with the help of. Figure 2 Depicted are cross-sectional and side views of a cable strain relief 211 securing a first cable 281 and a second cable 282 that is thicker than the first cable 281 , wherein the first cable 281 is clamped by an exemplary diameter adapter auxiliary 300 , and the auxiliary 300 is in turn clamped by the cable strain relief 211 . Figure 3 Various views of the auxiliary member 300 are depicted for illustrating the structure of the auxiliary member 300 , wherein the views include a front view, a top view, a side view, and a cross-sectional view of the side view.

[0026] The cable strain relief 211 is conventional and has a strain-relief passage 212 for allowing the first cable 281 and the second cable 282 to be inserted into the cable strain relief 211. The strain-relief passage 212 is configured to clamp at least the first cable 281 and the second cable 282 simultaneously.

[0027] The auxiliary member 300 includes a main body 310 formed with an adapter channel 320. The adapter channel 320 is open at both ends 321, 322 so that the first cable 281 can be inserted into the adapter channel 320. The adapter channel 320 is an internal channel of the main body 310. Both the outer surface 311 and the inner surface 312 of the main body 310 are identifiable. Since the adapter channel 320 is an internal channel, the adapter channel 320 contacts the inner surface 312 instead of the outer surface 311.

[0028] The adapter channel 320 has a cross section 323. The cross section 323 is obtained as the intersection of a plane and the adapter channel 320, wherein the plane is perpendicular to the main axis 305 of the adapter channel 320. The cross section 323 is selected from different possible selections of cross sections in the adapter channel 320, so that the selected cross section 323 has a first cross section width 325 whose length is adjustable. Specifically, the first cross section width 325 is adjustable so that when the first cable 281 is inserted through the adapter channel 320, the cross section 323 is widened or narrowed to clamp the first cable 281 by adjusting the first cross section width 325. The first cable 281 is thereby fixed to the body 310. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, a pair of edges 341, 342 opposite to each other are used to contact and press the first cable 281, so that a pair of opposite forces generated by the two edges 341, 342 act on the first cable 281 and fix the first cable 281, and the pair of edges opposite to each other are installed on the main body 310 and have a mechanism for adjusting the separation between the two edges 341, 342. The above separation is the first cross-sectional width 325. Other methods of adjusting the first cross-sectional width 325 will be described in detail later.

[0029] The body 310 is configured to have a second cross-sectional width 315 that is greater than the first cross-sectional width 325 under the conditions that (1) the first cable 281 is clamped in the adapter channel 320 and (2) the body 310 is positioned in the strain-relief channel 212 and clamped by the strain-relief channel. The second cross-sectional width 315 is determined to be the minimum cross-sectional width of the body 310 under the above conditions. Note that the second cross-sectional width 315 is measured between two points on the outer surface 311 of the body 310. Since the second cross-sectional width 315 is greater than the first cross-sectional width 325, the first cable 381 is effectively expanded by the covering of the auxiliary piece 300. By adjusting the second cross-sectional width 315 to be close to the diameter of the second cable 282, the size of the strain-relief channel 212 can be adjusted to simultaneously and securely clamp the second cable 282 and the auxiliary piece 300 that are thicker than the first cable 281. As a result, both the first cable 281 and the second cable 282 are securely fixed to the cable strain relief 211, even though the two cables 281, 282 have different diameters.

[0030] The main body 310 can be implemented as being substantially rigid or deformable. If the main body 310 is substantially rigid, the second cross-sectional width 315 is fixed and has a fixed value. The basic rigid body can be formed with a rigid material, such as plastic, aluminum, steel, copper or other metals. If the main body 310 is deformable, the first cable 281 can be fixed to the main body 310 by pressing the main body 310 toward the first cable 281 via adjusting the strain-relief channel 212 (i.e., narrowing or widening the strain-relief channel 212). Pressing the main body 310 toward the first cable 281 effectively causes the first cross-sectional width 325 to be adjusted. Soft materials, such as polymers (e.g., elastomers, resins, etc.), can be used to form a deformable body. Depending on the selected filler particles / fibers, composite materials containing a polymer matrix with filler particles or fibers can also be used to form a basic rigid body or a deformable body. For example, a polyamide matrix filled with glass fibers can be used to form a basic rigid body.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the adapter channel 320 is circumferentially closed by the body 310. Therefore, the adapter channel 320 is closed except for the two ends 321, 322. Therefore, the body 310 is formed to have a tubular form. Since the outer surface 311 and the inner surface 312 are separated by some material forming the body, there is a non-zero width between the two surfaces 311, 312. When the inner surface 312 surrounds the adapter channel 320, the condition that the second cross-sectional width 315 is greater than the first cross-sectional width 325 is automatically satisfied. Whether the body 310 is rigid or deformable, this condition is satisfied. If the body 310 is rigid, it is better to form a body 310 in a tubular form (which is similar to an O-shaped cross section) than to form a body 310 with a C-shaped cross section or a cross-sectional shape such as an arc, because the O-shaped cross section is mechanically more rigid and more difficult to bend. However, it is not expected that the disclosed auxiliary piece has a body limited to a tubular shape; other shapes such as a C-shaped shape can be used to form the body.

[0032] In some embodiments, the auxiliary member 300 further includes a clamping fixture 340 for clamping the first cable 281. The clamping fixture 340 is attached to the main body 310 and is configured to controllably narrow or widen the cross-section 323 of the strain-relief channel 212 for adjusting the first cross-sectional width 325. If the main body 310 is substantially rigid, the clamping fixture 340 is necessary to effectively clamp the first cable 281. If the main body 310 is deformable, the clamping fixture 340 is optional because the first cable 281 can be fixed to the main body 310 by pressing the main body 310.

[0033] The clamping fixture 340 includes a first edge 341 located on the inner surface 312 of the body 310. The first edge 341 is used to contact and press on the first cable 281 to fix the first cable 281 in the adapter channel 320.

[0034] In some embodiments, the depth 345 (hereinafter referred to as the protruding depth 345) of the first edge 341 protruding into the adapter channel 320 is adjustable so as to adjust the first cross-sectional width 325 and clamp the first cable 281. In order to adjust the protruding depth 345, a mechanism for driving the first edge 341 to move into the adapter channel 320 or to retract from the adapter channel is installed in the clamping fixture 340. In some embodiments, the clamping fixture 340 further includes an adjustable screw 343 for adjusting the protruding depth 345 of the first edge 341. In a convenient embodiment, the end of the adjustable screw 343 can be used to form the first edge 341.

[0035] If the body 310 is deformable, the clamping fixture 340 can be simplified by making the protruding depth 345 of the first edge 341 fixed and non-adjustable. The cross-section 323 of the adapter channel 320 is narrowed or widened by pressing the body 310 toward the first cable 281 to adjust the first cross-sectional width 325.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first edge 341 is further configured to exert friction on the first cable 281 to resist rotation of the first cable 281 within the adapter channel 320. Preferably, the first edge 341 is grooved or corrugated to enhance friction with the first cable 281.

[0037] The clamping fixture 340 may further include a second edge 342 located on the inner surface 312 and opposite to the first edge 341. The first edge 341 and the second edge 342 are used together to controllably narrow or widen the cross-section 323 of the adapter channel 320. Preferably, the second edge 342 is grooved or corrugated to enhance friction with the first cable 281, thereby resisting rotation of the first cable 281 inside the adapter channel 320.

[0038] Typically, the clamping fixture 340 is designed and manufactured to be substantially rigid because a mechanism for adjusting the protrusion depth 345 needs to be installed therein. Both the body 310 and the clamping fixture 340 may be substantially rigid. In this case, the body 310 and the clamping fixture 340 may be integrally formed of the same material.

[0039] If the main body 310 is deformable, the auxiliary member 300 may be designed so that the first edge 341 and the second edge 342 are attached and integrated to the main body 310 without installing a mechanism for adjusting the protruding depth 345 of the first edge 341. Similarly, both the main body 310 and the clamping fixture 340 may be deformable. The main body 310 and the clamping fixture 340 may be integrally formed of the same material.

[0040] Optionally, the auxiliary member 300 further includes an external flange 370 surrounding the main body 310 for assisting in positioning the auxiliary member 300 in the strain-relief channel 212. Figure 2 During installation of the auxiliary member 300 into the cable strain relief 211, the external flange 370 enables a technician to easily park the auxiliary member 300 in a preferred pre-selected position in the strain-relief channel 212. The external flange 370 can be implemented in the form of a full annular ring or a broken ring. The external flange 370 and the main body 310 can be integrally formed from the same material.

[0041] although Figure 2 The specific case where the cable strain relief 211 is used to securely lock only two cables (i.e., the first cable 281 and the second cable 282) is depicted, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that the application of the auxiliary piece 300 can be easily expanded in the case of securing more than two cables of different sizes to a specific single-channel cable strain relief. For example, the multi-diameter adapter auxiliary piece disclosed herein is used to clamp the other cables except the thickest cable, respectively, so that the thickest cable and all the remaining cables covered with the corresponding auxiliary piece have substantially similar diameters.

[0042] The advantages provided by the disclosed auxiliary are listed below. One application of the auxiliary is a light emitting diode (LED) driver. Specific advantages of designing an LED driver are also described.

[0043] • The disclosed auxiliary member allows the cable strain relief to apply an optimized force to hold multiple cables of different diameters.

[0044] • An unlimited number of cables can be held by the cable strain relief via diameter adaptation by using one or more of the disclosed auxiliary pieces, as long as the cables can fit into the strain-relief channel of the cable strain relief.

[0045] The cable strain relief that holds multiple cables of different diameters still looks good, since only one cable strain relief is visible from the outside.

[0046] • The disclosed auxiliary piece is simple in construction and is therefore a low cost solution to help a cable strain relief retain a cable in the presence of multiple cables of different diameters, making the use of a single cable strain relief to retain multiple cables a very cost effective solution.

[0047] • If a cable strain relief is used in an LED driver housing, the overall design of the cable strain relief can be optimized for any cable at a low cost by using one or more of the disclosed auxiliary components to adapt to the diameter of cables of different sizes.

[0048] If a standard cable strain relief is already used in the design of an LED driver, and if there is a new requirement for the LED driver to connect to a different size cable, the original design can be kept without any customization using the disclosed auxiliary parts.

[0049] During the design phase of the LED driver, the designer may not be sure whether the cables to be connected to the LED driver are the same or different sizes. By suggesting that the actual user of the LED driver use one or more auxiliary pieces in the event that the cables are of different sizes, the designer can design the housing of the LED driver with a single cable strain relief piece instead of multiple cable strain relief pieces to save costs.

[0050] In the present disclosure, in the context of describing the disclosed systems, devices, apparatuses, methods and processes (particularly in the context of the appended claims), the use of the terms "a / an" and "said" and "at least one" and similar indicators should be understood to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context. Unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context, the use of the term "at least one" (e.g., "at least one of A and B") followed by a list of one or more items should be understood to mean one item (A or B) selected from the listed items or any combination of two or more items (A and B) in the listed items. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "comprising", "having", "including" and "containing" should be interpreted as open terms (i.e., meaning "including but not limited to") in this article. The description of the range of values ​​in this article is intended only to serve as a shorthand method of referring to each individual value falling within the range individually, unless otherwise specified herein, and each individual value is incorporated into this specification as if it were individually described herein. Unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order. Unless otherwise required, the use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the present invention and does not impose limitations on the scope of the present invention. No language in this specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the present invention.

[0051] Although exemplary embodiments have been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the present invention, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, operation or configuration of the present invention in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description will provide a convenient roadmap for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present invention for those skilled in the art, and it should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the steps and methods of operation described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A diameter adapter auxiliary member for assisting in securely securing a first cable to a cable strain relief member, the cable strain relief member having a strain-relief channel for simultaneously clamping at least the first cable and a second cable, the second cable being thicker than the first cable, the auxiliary member comprising: a body, the body forming an adapter channel so that the first cable can be inserted into the adapter channel, wherein: the cross-section of the adapter channel having a first cross-sectional width, the first cross-sectional width being adjustable such that when the first cable is inserted through the adapter channel, the cross-section widens or narrows to clamp the first cable via adjustment of the first cross-sectional width, whereby the first cable is secured to the body; The body is configured to have a second cross-sectional width greater than the first cross-sectional width under a condition in which the first cable is clamped in the adapter channel and the body is positioned in and clamped by the strain-relief channel, the second cross-sectional width being determined as a minimum cross-sectional width of the body under the condition, so that both the auxiliary piece and the second cable can be simultaneously and securely clamped by the strain-relief channel, so that both the first cable and the second cable are securely fixed to the cable strain relief even when the two cables have different diameters, and wherein the adapter channel is an internal channel of the body and has the first cross-sectional width to enable the first cable to be clamped within the adapter channel, and the second cross-sectional width is measured between two points on the outer surface of the body to enable the second cable to be clamped within the strain-relief channel while the first cable is clamped within the adapter channel. 2 . The diameter adapter aid of claim 1 , wherein the adapter passage is circumferentially closed by the body such that the second cross-sectional width is greater than the first cross-sectional width.

3. The diameter adapter aid according to claim 1, further comprising: A clamping fixture for clamping the first cable, wherein the clamping fixture is attached to the body and is configured to controllably narrow or widen a cross-section of the adapter channel, thereby adjusting the first cross-sectional width.

4. The diameter adapter aid of claim 3, wherein the clamping fixture includes a first edge having an adjustable depth protruding into the adapter channel to adjust the first cross-sectional width and clamp the first cable.

5. The diameter adapter aid of claim 4, wherein the first edge is grooved or corrugated to enhance friction with the first cable.

6. The diameter adapter aid of claim 4, wherein the clamping fixture further comprises an adjustable screw for adjusting a protruding depth of the first edge.

7. The diameter adapter aid of claim 4, wherein the clamping fixture further comprises a second edge attached to the body and opposite the first edge, the first edge and the second edge being used together to controllably narrow or widen a cross-section of the adapter channel.

8. The diameter adapter aid of claim 7, wherein the second edge is grooved or corrugated to enhance friction with the first cable.

9. The diameter adapter aid of claim 3, wherein said body and said clamping fixture are substantially rigid.

10. The diameter adapter aid of claim 9, wherein the body and the clamping fixture are integrally formed of the same material.

11. The diameter adapter aid of claim 1 , further comprising: An external flange surrounds the body, the external flange being used to assist in positioning the auxiliary member within the strain-relief channel.

12. The diameter adapter aid of claim 11, wherein the outer flange and the body are integrally formed from the same material.

13. The diameter adapter aid of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the body is substantially rigid such that the second cross-sectional width is a fixed width.

14. The diameter adapter aid of claim 13, wherein the body is substantially made of plastic.

15. The diameter adapter aid of claim 13, wherein the body is substantially made of metal.

16. The diameter adapter aid of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the body is deformable to allow clamping of the first cable by pressing the body via adjustment of the strain-relief channel.

17. The diameter adapter aid of claim 16, wherein the body is substantially made of a polymer.

18. The diameter adapter aid of claim 17, wherein the polymer is an elastomer or a resin.

19. The diameter adapter aid according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the body is substantially made of a composite material comprising a polymer matrix with filler particles or fibers.

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