Branch Connector for Twisted Feeder Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing branch connectors for electrical connections to buried feeder cables face inefficiencies due to twisted conductors, which hinder optimal contact and are complicated by numerous clamping means that are difficult to access, especially when installed in a trough.
Innovation Solution
A branch connector design featuring two principal jaws made from insulating material connected by translation using clamping means, with branching elements that include a secondary jaw for inserting branch cable conductors, and metal contact parts that allow for improved alignment and contact with twisted feeder cable conductors, utilizing a minimal number of parts and concealed clamping to simplify installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a spacer part is used to retain contact parts between cable cores, then contact parts are positioned in a predetermined plane, but the contact between contact parts and twisted conductors is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The contact parts are made mobile relative to the spacer part, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position to follow the inclination of twisted conductors while maintaining their predetermined positioning function. This is achieved by allowing contact parts to move along the longitudinal edges of the spacer part.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into functional modules: spacer part for positioning, contact parts for electrical connection, and clamping means for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together as a integrated system.
2Reliability
If numerous clamping means are implemented to secure contact parts, then contact parts are firmly retained, but installation becomes difficult when cable is located in a trough
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clamping functions are merged into a single clamping ring that encircles all contact parts simultaneously. This unified clamping mechanism provides firm retention of all contact parts while maintaining simple and accessible installation, as only one clamping ring needs to be installed regardless of the number of contact parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping ring serves multiple functions: it secures all contact parts to the spacer part, provides mechanical strength to the entire assembly, and ensures electrical insulation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate clamping components needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If contact parts are positioned apart from the clamping ring in a predetermined plane, then maximum contact zone is targeted, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer part acts as an intermediary element that provides the predetermined positioning structure for contact parts while being simple in design. The longitudinal edges of the spacer part define the positioning without requiring complex mechanisms, thus maintaining structural simplicity while achieving precise contact zone optimization.
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 connector provides enhanced ease of installation, optimal contact with twisted feeder cable conductors, reduced manufacturing costs due to fewer and identical parts, and compliance with safety standards, while minimizing the number of clamping nuts for easier access and balanced clamping.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second clamping means respectively include a first and a second threaded rod assembled in a detachable manner in a cross wise arrangement
Implementation Method 2
first clamping means designed for clamping said jaws onto the conductors of the feeder cable
Data Source
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AI summary
A branch connector for connecting each of the conductors of a feeder cable to a conductor of a branch cable, including two principal jaws made from insulating material, designed for placing the connector onto the feeder cable and connected together by translation using first clamping means (21, 24) for clamping said jaws onto the conductors of the feeder cable, and several branching elements for connecting the conductors of the feeder cable to the conductors of the branch cable, each branching element including a body, made from insulating material, a secondary jaw also made from insulating material, which jaw is mounted in a mobile manner to the body under the control of second clamping means (22, 27a, 27b) and which defines with this body at least one receptacle (19a - 19d) designed for the insertion of a conductor (18a - 18d) of the branch cable and at least one metal contact part (20a - 20d) designed for establishing an electrical connection between a conductor (16a - 16d) of the feeder cable and a conductor of the branch cable, the first and second clamping means respectively including a first and a second threaded rod (21, 22) assembled in a detachable manner in a cross wise arrangement and to each of which the principal jaws and the branching elements are respectively engaged.