Spring-Biased Cable Connector for Electrical Box Armor Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable clamps for electrical boxes inadequately grip metal armor cables, requiring manual tightening or manipulation of fasteners for secure connection.
Innovation Solution
A preassembled electrical box assembly with a cable connector featuring a housing and spring-biased retaining arms that grip the outer surface of the cable, preventing removal without the need for manual adjustment or separate connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cable clamps are used to secure metal armor cables to electrical boxes, then the cable connection is achieved, but the clamps inadequately grip the cable and require manual tightening or manipulation of fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connector employs spring-biased retaining arms that are dynamically movable between engaged and disengaged positions. The springs provide continuous force to maintain gripping pressure on the cable, allowing the arms to flex during installation and automatically maintain secure engagement during use, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and reliable grip.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased retaining arms are designed to self-grip the cable upon insertion without requiring manual adjustment. The springs automatically exert gripping force on the cable surface, and the arms self-adjust to cable diameter variations, eliminating the need for manual tightening or manipulation of fasteners while ensuring secure connection.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional cable clamps with smooth surfaces are used, then the clamps can be easily manufactured, but they do not adequately grip the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining arms feature localized gripping surfaces with increased surface area and potentially textured or contoured interfaces specifically at the cable contact points. This local enhancement of gripping quality allows the arms to effectively engage cable outer surfaces without complicating the overall manufacturing process, as only specific local regions require enhanced gripping features.
3Reliability
If separate connectors and manual fasteners are used for cable connection, then the connection can be secured, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connector integrates multiple functions into a single preassembled unit: the housing provides structural support and alignment, while the spring-biased retaining arms provide automatic cable gripping. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate connectors and manual fasteners, reducing installation complexity while maintaining secure connection through the coordinated action of integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining arms are pre-assembled within the housing in a ready-to-engage configuration before installation. The springs are pre-loaded to provide immediate gripping force upon cable insertion, eliminating the need for post-installation adjustment or tightening operations. This preliminary preparation ensures both connection security and installation simplicity.
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
Provides a secure, easy-to-install connection for metal armor cables by gripping the cable's surface, eliminating the need for manual tightening and separate connectors during installation.
Implementation Method 1
spring-biased retaining arms that grip the outer surface of the cable
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector is provided for coupling to and mounted within the internal cavity of an electrical box for securing an electrical cable passing through an opening in the electrical box. The cable connector includes a housing having a first end positioned next to or adjacent the cable opening in the electrical box and a second end spaced from the first end and the cable opening. At least one and typically two cable retaining members are positioned in the cable opening of the housing between the front wall and the rear wall. The cable retainer has a body with a plurality of retaining arms extending into an axial passage of the body for gripping the outer surface of a cable.