Cable Connector Clamping Ring for Adjustable Secure Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors face challenges in adjusting the longitudinal position relative to a cable while avoiding loose elements during securement, which is crucial for applications requiring precise alignment and stability.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a rear holder unit with adjustable clamping claws and an actuating ring that can be secured in preset and set positions, allowing for precise longitudinal adjustment and secure fastening to the cable without loose parts, using locking arms and disengagement channels for controlled movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the connector uses a traditional retainer design that slides over the cable and collet, then the connector can be assembled, but loose elements may occur during assembly and the longitudinal position adjustment is difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachment without loose elementsVSAvoidlongitudinal position adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating ring is designed to be movable along the longitudinal axis between a preset position and a set position, allowing dynamic adjustment of the clamping claws' engagement state. This enables controlled transition from an unengaged state (for position adjustment) to an engaged state (for secure fastening), resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping claws are pre-configured in an unengaged state at the preset position, allowing the connector housing to be positioned relative to the cable before securing. The actuating ring is then moved to the set position to engage the claws and secure the position, eliminating the need for loose elements during assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the connector housing is secured to the cable with fixed clamping elements, then stable attachment is achieved, but longitudinal position adjustment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidlongitudinal position adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static fixed clamping design to a dynamic design where the actuating ring can move between preset and set positions. This allows the clamping claws to be engaged or disengaged as needed, providing both adjustment capability and stable attachment when required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment function is segmented into two distinct states: position adjustment mode (actuating ring at preset position with unengaged claws) and secure attachment mode (actuating ring at set position with engaged claws). This segmentation allows independent optimization of both adjustability and stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the actuating ring is freely movable, then position adjustment is easy, but unintentional disassembly may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustmentVSAvoidprevention of unintentional disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The disengagement means are designed to apply a counter-action that prevents the actuating ring from moving backward from the set position to the preset position unintentionally. The locking mechanism creates a mechanical barrier that requires deliberate action (insertion of disengagement tool) to overcome, thus preventing accidental disassembly while maintaining ease of operation for intended adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP4704274A1connector
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 YAZAKI EUROPE LTD
  • EP4704274A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4704274A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4704274A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Connector comprising: a housing (1) longitudinally extending between a front end (2) and a rear end (3), the rear end (3) having a passage (4) for receiving an electric cable (5), and a rear holder unit (6) secured to the housing (1) and configured to be arranged around the cable (5), the rear holder unit (6) has a rear holder (7) with longitudinally extending clamping claws (31) configured to engage the cable (5) and an actuating ring (8) configured to press the clamping claws (31) radially onto the cable (5), wherein, in the state in which the rear holder unit (6) is secured to the housing (1), the actuating ring (8) is adjustable in a longitudinal direction between a preset position, in which the clamping claws (31) of the rear holder (7) are unengaged by the actuating ring (8), and a set position, in which the clamping claws (31) of the rear holder (7) are engaged by the actuating ring (8).