Cable Connector Retaining Assembly for Explosion-Proof Serviceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in securing cable connectors to explosion proof cable glands that are not easily serviceable and do not provide easy-to-use and serviceable explosion proof features while still providing explosion-proof features that are capable of meeting industry safety standards and regulations.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector retaining assembly that includes a cable connector that is configured for slidable insertion into the cable connector receiving opening defined by an electrical enclosure, and a retaining configuration configured for securing the cable connector to the electrical enclosure, and a retaining configuration configured for securing the cable connector to the electrical enclosure, with a retainer receiving groove and a rotation impeder to prevent longitudinal and rotational displacement, and a retaining configuration configured for securing the cable connector to the electrical enclosure, with a retainer receiving groove and a rotation impeder to prevent longitudinal and rotational displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded connection is used to secure the cable connector to the enclosure, then the flame path becomes more intricate and explosion-proof features are improved, but installation and service are hindered by the requirement of tool access to physically thread the glands in and out of the enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining configuration is divided into separate components: a retainer plate that attaches to the enclosure and a cable connector with a retainer receiving groove. This segmentation allows the connector to be installed by simple insertion rather than threading, while the retainer plate provides the secure attachment needed for explosion-proof applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer plate acts as an intermediary component between the enclosure and the cable connector. It provides the threaded or secured attachment to the enclosure while allowing the cable connector to be easily inserted and retained, thus mediating between the need for secure attachment and ease of installation.
2Ease of operation
If a slip fit cable gland design is used to allow easy installation without threading, then installation ease is improved, but the flame path becomes less intricate and explosion-proof safety standards are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a retainer plate that creates the flame path barrier and a cable connector that passes through it. The retainer plate can be securely attached to the enclosure with appropriate sealing, maintaining explosion-proof integrity while allowing the connector to be easily inserted and removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer plate serves as an intermediary that maintains the flame path barrier between the enclosure and the cable connector. It provides the sealing and attachment function needed for explosion-proof applications while allowing the cable connector to be easily installed and serviced.
3Reliability
If diametrical tolerances are tightened or wall thickness is increased to mitigate flame path issues in slip fit designs, then explosion-proof features are improved, but manufacturing cost and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flame path barrier function is segregated into a separate retainer plate component rather than being integrated into the enclosure walls. This allows the retainer plate to be manufactured with appropriate tolerances and thickness independently, avoiding the need to increase overall enclosure wall thickness or tighten diametrical tolerances across the entire enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer plate acts as an intermediary component that provides the flame path barrier and sealing function. It can be manufactured with optimized dimensions and tolerances specifically for this function, reducing the need for expensive tolerance control or increased wall thickness in the main enclosure structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector retaining assembly for use with an electrical enclosure is disclosed. The assembly includes a cable connector configured coupling with a cable. The connector is configured for slidable insertion into an opening defined by an enclosure and is connected to the enclosure via a retaining configuration. The cable connector includes a retainer receiving groove that cooperates with the retaining configuration such that, while the cable connector is disposed within the opening defined by the enclosure and connected to the enclosure by the retaining configuration, a portion of the retaining configuration is disposed within the retainer receiving groove such that longitudinal displacement of the cable connector relative to the enclosure, is resisted. The engagement between the retaining configuration and the retainer receiving groove facilitates the connection between the connector and the enclosure while also creating a complex flame path for mitigating against explosive events.