Adjustable Backshell Strain Relief Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backshell assemblies with strain relief members are limited to fixed angles (0 degrees, 45 degrees, or 90 degrees), requiring separate manufacturing and tooling for each configuration, leading to increased costs and the need for accurate pre-ordering of specific configurations for field changes.
Innovation Solution
A backshell assembly with a movable strain relief member that can be adjusted between 0 degrees and 90 degrees, using a strain relief mounting member with pivotable arms and mounting hardware to secure the member at desired angles, eliminating the need for separate tooling for different configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate tooling is provided for each configuration (0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees), then manufacturing precision is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief member is designed with multiple functional positions (0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees) that can be selected based on different application requirements. This single multi-functional component replaces the need for multiple dedicated components for each angle configuration, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and tooling requirements while maintaining precise angular positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The strain relief member transitions from a fixed angular position to a dynamically adjustable position. The member can be rotated to different angular configurations and locked into place, allowing the same component to adapt to various mounting scenarios without requiring separate fixed-angle tooling for each configuration
2Manufacturing precision
If separate tooling is provided for each configuration, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single strain relief member design serves multiple angular configurations (0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees), consolidating what would otherwise require separate dedicated components for each angle. This universal design reduces the overall product variety and simplifies the device family while maintaining precise angular positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The strain relief member incorporates rotational adjustability with locking mechanisms that enable it to assume different angular positions. This dynamic capability allows one component to replace multiple fixed-angle components, thereby reducing device complexity and the number of SKUs required in the product line
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed angle configurations are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability decreases and loss of time increases due to field changes
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief member is designed with rotational adjustability, allowing it to be positioned at different angles (0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees) and locked into place. This dynamic positioning capability provides field adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as the same component design can accommodate multiple configurations without requiring complex assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The strain relief member is pre-designed with multiple angular positions and locking mechanisms built-in, so that when installation is required, the installer can simply rotate the member to the desired angle and lock it. This preliminary design of multiple positions eliminates the need for complex field modifications or ordering of different fixed-angle variants, reducing both manufacturing complexity and field installation time
Data Source
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AI summary
A backshell assembly (10) with a strain relief member (30). The backshell assembly (10) includes an enclosure member (12) for positioning over a connector. The enclosure member (12) has a wire receiving portion (14) which extends from a surface (16) of the enclosure member (12). A strain relief mounting member (20) extends from the enclosure (12). The strain relief member (30) is movably mounted to the strain relief mounting member (20). The strain relief member (30) is movable between 0 degrees and 90 degrees as measured between a center axis (92) of a wire mounting opening (15) of the wire receiving portion (14) and a center axis (94) of a wire receiving opening (80) of the strain relief member (30).