Branch Cable Connector With Sliding Contacts and Waterproof Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cabling networks require numerous manual operations, often in confined spaces, and are not waterproof, making them costly and complicated to install, especially when connecting multiple electrical equipment to a main cable without cutting the main conductor.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a central section that allows for sliding electrical connection means, featuring elongated or nipple-shaped contact sections and a clip for holding the connection, enabling secure connection of secondary conductors to a main conductor without cutting the main cable, while maintaining electrical insulation and allowing detachment of branch cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If terminal blocks are used to connect electrical cables, then electrical connection is achieved, but numerous manual operations are required and the installation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a first part that connects to the main cable and a second part that connects to the branch cable, allowing independent assembly and simplifying installation operations
Solution Approach 2:
The connector components are pre-assembled with the main cable during manufacturing, so that during installation only the branch cable connection is required, reducing manual operations on-site
2Adaptability or versatility
If male-female connectors are used to form branches from main cable, then branching connection is achieved, but the main cable must be cut and crimping operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The first part of the connector is pre-assembled with the main cable during harness manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site cutting and crimping operations
Solution Approach 2:
The connector integrates the connection functions for both the main cable and branch cable into a single component, eliminating the need for separate male and female connectors
3Reliability
If prefabricated harness with overmolded joints is used, then electrical connection is achieved, but prior knowledge of exact cable paths is required and secondary cables hinder harness pulling
Solution Approach 1:
The connector separates the electrical connection function (overmolded joint) from the mechanical attachment function, allowing the harness to be pulled independently without being hindered by branch cable attachments
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary component that provides structured attachment points for branch cables without interfering with the main harness pulling operation
4Ease of operation
If connectors are used to connect secondary conductors to main conductor, then electrical connection is achieved, but the connection is not waterproof
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates the electrical connection function with the waterproof sealing function into a single component, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements
Data Source
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Figure 3a~4
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (500), made of an electrically insulating material, intended to electrically connect a main conductor (210) and a secondary conductor (310), the connector (500) comprising: - a central section (540) extending in a longitudinal direction; - a main part (510) and a secondary part (520) defining, respectively, a main channel (510a) and a secondary channel (520a) parallel to the longitudinal direction and separated by the central section (540), the connector (500) further comprises electrical connection means (600), made of an electrically conductive material, intended to electrically connect the main conductor (210) and the secondary conductor (310) when they are inserted, respectively, into the main channel (510a) and into the secondary channel (520a).