Branch Connector Optimized Contact Twisted Feeder Cables
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing branch connectors fail to establish optimal electrical contact with twisted feeder cables due to the presence of a spacer part that hinders contact parts from aligning with the cable's inclined conductors, and they have complex clamping mechanisms that are difficult to access when installed in a trough.
Innovation Solution
A branch connector design featuring jaws made from insulating material connected by clamping means, with branching elements that include a projecting section to engage laterally between jaws, allowing for optimal contact with twisted conductors and eliminating the need for a spacer part, and utilizing threaded rods with torque-limiting nuts for secure clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a spacer part is used to position contact parts between cable cores, then contact parts are positioned in a predetermined common plane, but the contact between contact parts and twisted conductors is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The contact parts are made movable relative to the spacer part, allowing them to adjust dynamically to the inclined position of twisted conductors while maintaining their predetermined positioning function. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both precise positioning and adaptive contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact part is divided into a fixed portion (attached to spacer) and a movable portion (that can pivot or adjust). This segmentation allows the contact part to maintain its positioned location while adapting its contact angle to match twisted conductor inclines.
2Reliability
If multiple clamping means are implemented to secure contact parts, then clamping reliability is improved, but the number of parts and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clamping functions are merged into a single integrated clamping ring that encircles both the spacer part and contact parts simultaneously. This reduces the number of separate clamping components while maintaining secure fastening of all elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping ring serves multiple functions: it clamps the spacer part, secures the contact parts, and provides structural support for the entire assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed.
3Reliability
If numerous clamping means are used to secure branching elements, then connection reliability is improved, but accessibility for installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring is positioned and operated from the lateral dimension (outside the cable), allowing installers to access and tighten clamping nuts from the side rather than from within confined spaces. This dimensional change improves accessibility while maintaining secure clamping.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A branch connector (10) for connecting each of the conductors of a feeder cable to each of the conductors of a branch cable, including two jaws (11a, 11b) made from insulating material, for placing the connector onto the feeder cable and connected together by translation using clamping means for clamping said jaws onto the conductors of the feeder cable, and several branching elements (12a, 12b) for connecting the conductors of the feeder cable to the conductors of the branch cable, and including a body, made from insulating material, which has a projecting section (14a, 14b), also made from insulating material, and by which the branching element is designed to engage laterally between the two jaws in order to define a receptacle with each of the adjacent jaws for the insertion of a conductor of the feeder cable, and a metal contact part per receptacle which is partly superposed on said projecting section, and is designed for establishing an electrical connection between this conductor of the feeder cable and a conductor of the branch cable connected to the branching element.