Cable Casing Structure with Integrated Locking and Screw Groove

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing structures for combining cables and casings face challenges in assembling performance, waterproof performance, and risk of cable separation due to external forces, with high manufacturing costs and potential damage from external impacts.

Innovation Solution

A structure featuring a screw groove on the casing's inner surface, locking notches on the rear side, a screw protrusion on the cable engaging with the groove, and a locking protrusion with an inclined surface that prevents reverse rotation, integrated with the cable's sheath through molding, ensuring secure assembly and enhanced waterproofing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coupler with thread and gland is used to combine cable and casing, then the cable is prevented from separation, but the manufacturing cost rises and productivity decreases due to separate manufacturing and assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable connection stabilityVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the coupler and gland functions into a single molded structure formed directly on the casing. The screw groove and locking notches are molded as integral parts of the casing, eliminating the need for separate coupler and gland components. This merging reduces assembly steps while maintaining the cable securing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The molded structure on the casing performs multiple functions simultaneously: the screw groove provides threading for cable securing, the locking notches prevent cable rotation, and the integrated design serves as both the coupler and gland. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If screw-combination of gland and coupler is used, then cable separation is prevented, but the screw-combination may be separated slowly under continuous external impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable connection stabilityVSAvoidresistance to external impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The screw groove and locking notches are molded as integral parts of the casing structure, creating a unified rigid assembly. This eliminates the weak interface between separately manufactured screw components, preventing gradual separation under continuous external impact forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If coupler protrudes outward of casing, then cable connection is achieved, but the coupler may be damaged by external impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable assembly easeVSAvoidexternal impact damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler structure is merged with the casing by molding the screw groove and locking notches directly on the casing surface. This eliminates the protruding coupler component that is vulnerable to external impact, while the cable connection function is maintained through the molded features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If injection molding is used to combine cable and casing, then assembly is easy and quick, but the bonding force is weak and injection molding may separate from locking hole due to external impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidbonding strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is segmented into two distinct functional elements: the screw groove for linear securing and the locking notches for rotational prevention. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function, providing both ease of assembly and strong resistance to external impact forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking notches feature an inclined surface that engages with a corresponding locking protrusion on the cable. This curved/angled geometry provides mechanical advantage and prevents the cable from rotating or being pulled out, significantly enhancing the bonding strength compared to simple injection molding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3496518B1Structure for combining cable and casing
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 BROWN & WATSON INT LTD
  • EP3496518B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3496518B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3496518B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a structure for combining a cable and a casing and, more particularly, to a structure in which performance of assembling the cable and casing is excellent, waterproof performance is enhanced, and a risk that the cable is separate from the casing is prevented. According to the present invention, the structure includes: a screw groove provided on a front side of an inner surface of a through hole of the casing; locking notches continuously provided on a rear side of the inner surface of the through hole; a screw protrusion having the cable penetrating the through hole and screw-engaged with the screw groove; and a locking protrusion provided on the cable, and having an inclined surface moving over the locking notches in a forward direction and a locking surface preventing the locking protrusion from moving in a reverse direction by being engaged with the locking notches.