Blocking Device for Conductor Bundle Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for electrically conductive cable bundles fail to provide active holding and protection against mechanical stresses, particularly in vibrating environments like aircraft, where conventional protective covers are inadequate.

Innovation Solution

A blocking device with a cable guide member and a movable locking element, featuring a rotating sleeve with an elastically deformable coating and snap-fastening lugs, ensures secure clamping and guidance of conductor bundles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional protective covers with cable guides are used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the conductors are not actively held and are vulnerable to mechanical stresses and disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductor holding reliabilityVSAvoidblocking device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to be movable relative to the cable guide member, transitioning between a first position for conductor insertion and a second clamping position for securing the conductor bundle. This dynamic mechanism enables active holding of conductors while maintaining relatively simple device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element changes its position parameter between two distinct states (first position and second clamping position) to achieve different functions: allowing insertion during assembly and providing active holding during operation. This parameter change enables reliable conductor securing without complex multi-component systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If no locking mechanism is provided, then the device is simple to manufacture and implement, but conductors are vulnerable to tearing and disconnection under vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against mechanical stressesVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking device is segmented into distinct functional components: a cable guide member for structural support and guidance, and a separate locking element for active holding. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes while providing comprehensive protection against mechanical stresses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element incorporates an elastically deformable coating that flexes to grip the conductor bundle. This flexible coating provides effective clamping force to protect conductors from vibration and mechanical stresses while maintaining a simple manufacturing process suitable for mass production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution effectively maintains conductor bundles in place, preventing untimely disconnection and damage from mechanical stresses, while being simple, cost-effective, and easy to implement.

Implementation Method 1

The locking element preferably comprises a coating of elastically deformable material, in particular silicone, by which it grips the bundle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2541693B1Device for blocking bundles of conductors for coupling connector
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 AMPHENOL AIR LB
  • EP2541693B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2541693B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (1) has a body (2) fixed to a connector i.e. external connector, and a guide unit cable (8) in which a locking element (12) is arranged. A pipe is drawn starting from the body. The locking element is moved upward with regard to the guide unit cable between a position for allowing insertion of a bundle of connector and another position for tightening of the bundle of connector in the guide unit cable. An independent claim is also included for an external connector.