Electric Power Cable Connector Arrangement With Extended Ground Conductor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric power cable connection methods require complex processes and technical skills, and are time-consuming, especially when reconfiguring cables, as they often necessitate cutting and disposing of joints.

Innovation Solution

A connector arrangement featuring concentric conductors surrounded by a ground conductor that extends beyond the power connection portions, improving axial alignment and simplifying the connection process by allowing for a releasable connection without the need for precise alignment of cable conductors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional parallel sleeve female arrangements with parallel conductor pin male arrangements are used, then correct connection between cables is ensured, but the connection process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection correctnessVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs concentric conductors where one conductor is nested within another, forming a telescopic structure. The inner conductor is received by the outer conductor, creating a nested arrangement that simplifies alignment while maintaining reliable electrical connection. This nesting principle eliminates the need for complex parallel alignment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional parallel arrangement to a three-dimensional concentric arrangement. By stacking conductors along the axial dimension, the connector achieves self-alignment through radial symmetry, reducing the complexity of alignment procedures while ensuring correct connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional connection methods are used, then cable connections can be made, but reconfiguration requires cutting and disposing of joints, increasing time and technical skills required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable reconfigurabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic, releasable connection through the telescopic engagement of concentric conductors. The inner conductor can be inserted and removed from the outer conductor, allowing for easy reconfiguration without permanent joints. This dynamic structure enables rapid assembly and disassembly while maintaining connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If concentric conductors are used without extended ground conductor, then connector structure is simpler, but axial alignment of conductors is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector structure simplicityVSAvoidaxial alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The extended ground conductor acts as an intermediary alignment element. It extends beyond the power conductors to provide a reference surface or engagement feature that guides the axial positioning of the inner and outer conductors. This intermediary structure ensures precise alignment without adding complex alignment mechanisms to the power conductors themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4054027A1Electric power cable connector arrangement
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 PRYSMIAN SPA
  • EP4054027A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4054027A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4054027A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Electric power cable connector arrangement (1) comprising a first electric power cable (100) comprising a first connector (110) having first concentric electrical conductors (120) mutually insulated, the first concentric electrical conductors (120) having a first power electric connection portion (130); a second electric power cable (200) comprising a second connector (210) having second concentric electrical conductors (220) mutually insulated, the second concentric electrical conductors (220) having a second power electric connection portion (230); a connecting element (300) releasably connecting the first connector (110) and the second connector (210) along a coupling direction (X-X) to connect the first electric power cable (100) with the second electric power cable (200); the first connector (110) comprises a first ground conductor (140) surrounding the first concentric electrical conductors (120) and extending beyond the first power electric connection portion (130) towards the connecting element (300) along the coupling direction (X-X); the second connector (210) comprises a second ground conductor (240) surrounding the second concentric electrical conductors (220) and extending beyond the second power electric connection portion (230) towards the connecting element (300) along the coupling direction (X-X).