Cable Connector With Clamping Elements For Shielded Line Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The connection of shielded electrical lines is complex and labor-intensive, especially when using crimp compounds, as it requires multiple work steps and is not easily automatable, which is problematic in applications like hybrid and electric vehicles where interference reduction is crucial.

Innovation Solution

A line connector with holding elements and clamping elements that allow for the secure and efficient connection of electrical lines, featuring recesses and protrusions for easy alignment and electrical contact, reducing the need for separate subcrimping operations and enabling easier assembly of shielded lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If crimp compounds are used to connect shielded lines, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but the workload and complexity of the connection process increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contact reliabilityVSAvoidconnection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple connection operations into a single integrated process. The conduit connector incorporates both conductor connection terminals and screen connection capabilities in one device, allowing simultaneous connection of multiple shielded lines without requiring separate subcrimping operations for each line's screen and conductor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit connector serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for multiple lines, establishes electrical contact between conductors via terminals, connects screens to the housing, and enables automation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized tools for each connection type.

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

2Reliability

If crimp compounds are used for shielded lines, then safe electrical contact is achieved, but automation becomes impossible or very limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contact safetyVSAvoidconnection automation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual crimping operations with automated insertion and contact mechanisms. The conduit connector is designed to automatically position lines in holding elements, establish electrical contact through spring contacts and terminals, and secure connections without requiring manual crimping tools or operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit connector performs self-alignment and self-contact functions. The holding elements automatically position the lines, the spring contacts automatically establish electrical connection when lines are inserted, and the overall structure self-secures the connections, enabling fully automated assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If multiple separate operations are performed for connecting shielded lines, then reliable connection is achieved, but the number of work steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges conductor connection and screen connection into a single operation. Multiple lines are simultaneously positioned in holding elements and connected through the conduit connector in one process step, eliminating the need for sequential subcrimping operations for each line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding elements pre-position the lines in the correct locations before connection occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and reduces the connection process to a single insertion and contact-establishment step, eliminating multiple adjustment and connection operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3671962B1Connecting device for electrical lines and corresponding method
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 NEXANS SA
  • EP3671962B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3671962B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP3671962B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A cable connector (100) for electrical cables (102) has retaining elements (106) at connection areas (104) where the electrical cables (102) can be inserted into the cable connector (100). Each retaining element (106) has one or more recessed recesses (110) for cables (102) on a circumferential edge. The conductors (112) of the cables (102) inserted into the cable connector (100) can be electrically connected in an area located between the connection areas (104). The conductor connector (100) also comprises a first electrically conductive covering (116) which surrounds the conductor connector (100) between the connection areas (104) and which is in electrically conductive contact with an electrically conductive element (118) of the electrical conductors (102) at least in the area of ​​the retaining elements (106).Furthermore, the conductor connector (100) comprises one or more clamping elements (120) which exert a force on the first electrically conductive covering (116) at least in the area of ​​the retaining elements (106) that presses the first electrically conductive covering (116) against the electrically conductive elements (118) of the electrical conductors (102) received in the retaining elements (106).