Snap-On Cable Connector Cover for Fastener End Smoothing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connectors for low and medium voltage power lines face issues with mechanical abrasion and electric field concentration due to the protruding ends of fasteners, which can damage protective sleeves.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement includes a cover made of flexible material with a circular arc cross-section that snap-attaches to the cable connector, covering screw holes and accommodating fastener ends, thereby reducing mechanical and electrical disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fasteners are used to clamp the cable to the cable connector, then the cable connection is secured, but the fastener ends protrude from the connector surface causing mechanical abrasion and electric field concentration
Solution Approach 1:
A cover element is introduced as an intermediary component between the fastener and the external environment. This cover has a recess that receives the fastener end, allowing the fastener to maintain its clamping function while the cover smooths the external surface to eliminate mechanical abrasion and electric field concentration effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional surface problem to a three-dimensional volumetric solution by creating a recess in the cover that accommodates the protruding fastener end. This transforms the sharp edge problem into a smooth, rounded surface that eliminates the harmful effects while preserving the fastener's function.
2Ease of manufacture
If shearing screws or bolts are used to fasten the cable, then installation is simplified, but the sheared ends still extend outward and can damage protective sleeves
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element is designed with a recess that is pre-formed to accommodate the sheared end of the fastener. By installing the cover after the fastener is in place, the system proactively prevents potential damage to protective sleeves before it can occur, maintaining both installation simplicity and protective sleeve integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as a protective cushioning element that absorbs and distributes the mechanical stress that would otherwise be concentrated at the sharp edges of sheared fastener ends. This prevents damage to protective sleeves and other external components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover is added to smooth the fastener ends, then mechanical and electrical disturbances are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical smoothing of the fastener ends, electrical insulation or field distribution, and protection for the fastener components. By combining multiple functions into a single component, the solution reduces overall system complexity despite adding a new element.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover integrates several protective and functional features into a single unified component that attaches to the cable connector. This merging of functions (smoothing, protecting, insulating) into one element minimizes the increase in device complexity compared to using multiple separate components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a cable connector and to a cover for a cable connector. The cover comprises a first edge, a second edge, a longitudinal axis extending between the first edge and the second edge, an inner surface for engaging the cable connector and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface. The cover has a cross section substantially corresponding to a circular arc in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the cover is adapted for snap-on attachment to a cylindrical body.