Adjustable Metal-Clad Cable Connector with Screw-Actuated Stop Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors for metal-clad cable (MC) and flexible metallic conduit (FMC) struggle to accommodate a range of sheath outer diameters and conductor bundle sizes, requiring multiple fittings and increasing installation time, while also needing to prevent the metal sheath from entering electrical panels as per safety standards.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable electrical connector with a hollow cylindrical section, extension member, and strap adjustment mechanism, featuring a stop plate that can be adjusted via a screw to accommodate various sheath sizes, ensuring the sheath does not pass through while allowing conductors to pass, and indicia for easy size selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single electrical connector is used to accommodate various sheath outer diameters and conductor bundle sizes, then installation time is reduced and versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The stop plate is made adjustable through a threaded bore and screw mechanism, allowing it to move axially to accommodate different sheath outer diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability enables a single connector to adapt to various cable sizes without requiring multiple fixed-size connectors, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by implementing a controlled adjustment mechanism rather than multiple discrete components
Solution Approach 2:
The connector allows change in the axial position of the stop plate to modify the effective throat diameter. By adjusting the stop plate position through the threaded bore, the connector can accommodate different sheath outer diameters and conductor bundle configurations, enabling parameter adaptation without increasing overall device complexity significantly
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple fittings are used to handle different cable sizes, then each fitting can be optimized for its specific size, but installation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is designed with universal applicability to handle multiple cable sizes and configurations through the adjustable stop plate mechanism. A single connector design serves multiple functions by accommodating different sheath outer diameters and conductor bundle sizes, eliminating the need for installers to select from multiple specialized fittings, thereby increasing installation speed while maintaining precision through the adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-designed with the adjustment mechanism and range of motion built-in, allowing installers to quickly adapt to different cable sizes during installation without requiring pre-selection or pre-configuration of specific fittings. The preliminary design of the adjustable mechanism enables rapid adaptation on-site, improving productivity while maintaining precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stop plate is made adjustable to accommodate different sheath sizes, then versatility is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional adjustment steps
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded bore and screw mechanism enable the installer to easily adjust the stop plate position without requiring special tools or complex procedures. The self-contained adjustment mechanism allows the connector to be adapted to different cable sizes through simple rotational movement, maintaining ease of operation while achieving versatility. The design makes the adjustment process intuitive and self-serviceable during installation
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable electrical connector for connecting to cable or conduit by a strap adjustment member has a body with a hollow cylindrical section and an extension member. The hollow cylindrical section has a slot and a threaded bore passing therethrough. The slot allows passage of a stop plate, and the threaded bore receives an adjustment screw. The connector has an insulator having a bushing at one end to be inserted into the hollow cylindrical section of the body, and a curved member attached to the hollow cylindrical bushing, the stop plate extending radially outward from the curved member, the stop plate movable by the adjustment screw between a minimum deflection and a maximum deflection to stop the sheath of the cable.