Cable Connecting Structure With Protective Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connecting structures for power supplying cables in vehicles do not effectively prevent electric discharges when the cable is withdrawn from a terminal block, leading to potential sparks and damage.
Innovation Solution
A cable connecting structure with a protective cover that extends to prevent the distal end of the power supplying cable from contacting vehicle components, utilizing a bellows structure and elastic members to ensure insulation and prevent electric discharges, even when the cable is withdrawn from a terminal block.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective cover is provided to protect the power supplying cable from damage, then cable protection is improved, but it cannot prevent electric discharge when the cable is withdrawn from the terminal block
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is designed with elastic properties to dynamically change its state. When the cable is normally installed, the cover is contracted and allows cable movement. When the cable is withdrawn, the cover automatically extends to cover the exposed cable end, preventing electric discharge without requiring active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover utilizes the elastic potential energy stored in its structure to automatically extend and protect the cable end when withdrawal occurs. The system serves itself by converting the mechanical energy from cable withdrawal into the protective action of extending the cover, without requiring external power or control systems.
2Reliability
If the protective cover is fixed rigidly to prevent cable withdrawal, then cable disconnection is prevented, but cable movement and installation are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover employs elastic deformation to allow dynamic movement during normal operation while maintaining connection stability. The cover can contract and expand to accommodate cable installation and movement, yet extends automatically when withdrawal occurs to prevent disconnection and electric discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover changes its physical state between contracted and extended configurations based on cable position. When cable is installed, the cover is contracted allowing movement; when cable is withdrawn, the cover extends to a longer configuration to prevent contact with vehicle components.
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 protective cover effectively prevents electric discharges by ensuring the distal end of the cable does not come into contact with vehicle components, enhancing the safety and utility of the cable connecting structure.
Implementation Method 1
the protective cover extends such that the other end thereof goes beyond a distal end of the power supplying cable
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connecting structure for connecting a power supplying cable to a terminal-block-side terminal in a terminal block provided on one of an electric-motor side and a power-source side, wherein the power supplying cable includes a conductive wire, a covering, and a cable-side terminal, wherein a protective cover is provided so as to allow the power supplying cable to be disposed therein in a state in which the protective cover is contracted while one end thereof is fixed to the covering outside the terminal block and the other end thereof is held in engagement with the terminal block, and wherein, when the conductive wire and the terminal are disconnected from each other and the power supplying cable is accordingly withdrawn from the terminal block, the protective cover extends such that the other end thereof goes beyond a distal end of the power supplying able.