Cable Connector Finger Structure for Multi-Size Grommet Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connectors face challenges in accommodating cables of different sizes and shapes, often requiring multiple combinations and being prone to damage or inefficiency due to intricate prong arrangements that decrease surface contact area.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector design featuring axially extending fingers connected by discrete tabs, which radially contract upon nut engagement, compressing a grommet to secure cables of varying sizes and shapes, with independent finger movement preventing damage and enhancing contact area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional prongs or tongues are used as constricting mechanisms, then cable securing function is achieved, but the arrangement becomes intricate and delicate requiring interaction between parts which may become easily damaged or dirty
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is divided into multiple independent fingers (at least two) that can move separately. Each finger is connected to the connector body by discrete tabs, allowing individual movement and compression action. This segmentation eliminates the need for intricate interacting arrangements while maintaining the cable securing function through independent finger action.
2Reliability
If tongues or prongs are pivotally mounted to a body, then constricting action is achieved, but the pivoting action inherently decreases the surface contact area between the prongs or tongues with the corresponding sealing method
Solution Approach 1:
The fingers are designed to move dynamically from an uncompressed position to a compressed position against the grommet. The discrete tabs allow the fingers to flex and apply continuous surface contact pressure along their length, maximizing the surface contact area with the sealing method while maintaining the ability to constrict the cable effectively.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector and grommet combinations are used for different cable sizes and shapes, then accommodation of various cables is achieved, but the cost of manufacture, use and storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body with multiple independent fingers and discrete tabs is designed as a universal structure that can accommodate cables of different sizes and shapes. By adjusting the compression force applied by the lock nut, the same connector can securely hold various cable types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connector-grommet combinations and reducing manufacturing and storage costs.
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
The design provides robust, efficient cable retention with improved sealing and reduced likelihood of cable pull-out or bending, accommodating diverse cable sizes and shapes without complex interactions.
Implementation Method 1
relative axial movement of the lock nut toward the connector body causes radial contraction of the axially extended fingers relative to the connector body to compress the grommet located axially coincident with the at least two axially extending fingers
Implementation Method 2
providing secure friction fit for various cable sizes and shapes
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector having a lock nut and a connector body can accommodate strain relief elements, such as grommets, for securing different types of cables. The connector body has two or more axially extending fingers axially coincident with the grommet. Each finger is connected to the connector body by at least two radially separated discrete tabs forming an axial separation between the connector body and the associated finger. Relative axial movement of the lock nut towards the connector body causes radial contraction of the axially extending fingers from the first rest position to a second contracted position where the axially extending fingers have translationally radially contracted to compress the grommet about the cable inserted in the cable connector. Different types of grommets, some with plastic inserts, can be interchangeably used with the same connector body to accommodate cables of different sizes and shapes.