Cable Connector Locking Mechanism for Inadvertent Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable connectors in photovoltaic systems face challenges in providing reliable protection against environmental factors and accidental touch, especially when exposed outdoors and requiring protection against water and dust, while also needing to prevent inexperienced users from inadvertently contacting live cable ends.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector design featuring a housing with cable glands and a locking mechanism that secures cables in a twist-proof tube, using non-conductive materials and resilient spur gearing to ensure secure connection and protection, preventing manual opening and allowing only tool-assisted disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cable glands are designed to be easily removable for maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but protection against inadvertent opening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A locking element acts as an intermediary between the cable gland and housing, requiring deliberate action (tool application or destruction) to disengage. This mediator prevents accidental opening while maintaining controlled accessibility for authorized maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism changes the state of the cable gland from a freely removable condition to a locked condition requiring specific intervention. The parameter of engagement force changes from low (manual removal) to high (tool-assisted or destructive removal), resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and protection.
2Volume of moving object
If the cable connector housing is made compact for tight spaces, then volume is reduced, but ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into modular components (housing, cable glands, locking elements) that can be assembled in a standardized sequence. This segmentation allows the compact design to maintain ease of assembly through systematic component integration rather than monolithic construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are pre-positioned or pre-configured within the housing structure, allowing cable glands to be locked in place during the assembly process itself. This preliminary arrangement of locking features eliminates the need for separate complex assembly steps, maintaining ease of manufacture despite compact dimensions.
3Reliability
If locking means require tool assistance for disassembly, then protection against inadvertent opening is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses resilient spur gear teeth that can be copied or replicated in standardized configurations. This allows the same locking principle to be applied across different connector designs, maintaining consistent protection levels while enabling standardized tool interfaces for disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily replaced if damaged during intentional disassembly. This disposable nature allows the use of robust locking mechanisms with high disengagement forces without concern for component cost, resolving the contradiction between protection and operational ease.
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 solution provides a compact, reliable, and safe-to-touch cable connector that withstands environmental conditions and prevents accidental contact, ensuring high protection against water, dust, and inadvertent opening, suitable for use in tight spaces like roofs and façades.
Implementation Method 1
At least one locking means is provided, which locks the contact means to the cable gland when screwing at least one cable gland to the housing
Implementation Method 2
The locking means comprises at least one resilient spur gear on the contact means and at least one corresponding spur gear on the cable gland or the housing
Implementation Method 3
the cable connector is closed in a dust-tight manner. Furthermore, there is at least protection against temporary immersion in water
Implementation Method 4
The housing preferably comprises at least one tube means, in which the contact means can be received in a twist-proof manner and so as to be safe to touch
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector includes a housing and a first screwed cable gland for receiving a first cable and a second screwed cable gland for receiving a second cable, wherein a contact device is provided on which the first cable can be connected to the second cable. A detent device is provided, which, when one of the screwed cable glands is screwed to the housing, latches the contact device to the screwed cable gland such that the cables are received on the housing in a contact-safe manner.