Backside-Mounted Cable Clip for Electrical Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting cables to electrical units are either too bulky, prone to being dislodged during installation, or require difficult-to-access areas, leading to cable messes and installation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A mounting clip with a receiving portion for one element of a two-element connection system and a groove for the cable terminal, featuring a clip system for mechanical fixation, allowing cable connection to the backside of an electrical unit without needing additional tools or access to the backside, thus reducing cable visibility on the front side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a table-shaped connector is used to connect cable to electrical unit, then electrical connection is established, but the system has large height and is prone to being ripped off during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip transitions the connection from a vertical protruding structure to a planar surface-mounted structure. The clip lies substantially in the same plane as the electrical unit surface, eliminating the height issue while maintaining connection stability through the groove and fixing device mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional elements: the mounting clip with groove for cable positioning, the fixing device for mechanical attachment, and the receiving portion for the connection element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without the structural weaknesses of a monolithic connector.
2Ease of operation
If cables are mounted on the top side of electrical unit, then cable connection is achieved, but cable clutter increases and cables become obstacles during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip enables cable routing on the backside of the electrical unit by providing a surface-mounted attachment point. This spatial reconfiguration moves cables from the front/top viewing plane to the rear mounting plane, eliminating cable clutter in the operational area while maintaining installation accessibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If ring-terminal is screwed directly to electrical unit, then connection is established, but access to backside of electrical unit is required which is difficult or impossible to obtain
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the front-side accessible electrical unit surface and the backside-mounted cable connection. By attaching the clip to the front surface and extending the groove/receiving portion toward the backside, it enables cable connection without requiring direct backside access for installation.
4Reliability
If connector rises above electrical unit surface, then electrical connection is established, but connector can be ripped off during mounting or dismounting of other elements
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip lies substantially in the same plane as the electrical unit surface rather than protruding vertically. This planar configuration protects the connection from mechanical damage during installation of other components, as the low-profile design eliminates the vulnerability of tall protruding connectors to being ripped off.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting clip combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: mechanical attachment to the electrical unit, cable positioning via groove, and electrical connection facilitation through the receiving portion. This merging creates a more robust connection system that is resistant to damage during installation operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mounting clip for connecting a cable terminal of an electrical cable to an electrical unit comprises a receiving portion for one element of a two-element connection system and a groove for receiving at least a part of a cable terminal and/or part of a cable.