Cable Connector with Pivoting Latch for Junction Box Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connectors for junction boxes lack environmental protection from dust and debris, require pre-assembly, and are not cost-effective or adaptable to different cable dimensions, making them inconvenient to install and reuse.
Innovation Solution
A unitary undivided cable connector with a frontal annular structure and a pivoting latch mechanism that allows easy insertion into a junction box without pre-assembly, providing strain relief and environmental protection through a flexible semi-conic wing and non-flexible solid wedge design, and a toothed rack system for customizable cable retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing cable connectors are used to provide strain relief, then cable strain relief is achieved, but environmental protection from dust and debris is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the strain relief function and environmental protection function into a single integrated cable connector. The connector includes a body that seals around the cable to provide strain relief while simultaneously providing a protective barrier against dust and debris, eliminating the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable connector is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides strain relief for the cable, seals the opening in the electrical enclosure, and protects against environmental contaminants. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by achieving environmental protection without compromising installation convenience.
2Ease of operation
If pre-assembly is required for cable connectors, then structural integrity is maintained, but installation becomes awkward and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connector is designed as a unitary, pre-assembled component that requires no field assembly. The entire connector including the cable retention mechanism and sealing elements is manufactured as a single integrated piece, allowing electricians to simply insert and secure it without complex pre-assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
All necessary assembly operations are performed during manufacturing before the connector reaches the installation site. The connector arrives pre-assembled with all components in their final positions, eliminating the need for field assembly and making installation straightforward.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specific dimension cables are required for insertion, then cable retention is secured, but adaptability to different cable dimensions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cable retention mechanism incorporates movable or adjustable elements that can adapt to different cable diameters. The connector can dynamically adjust its retention force and geometry to securely hold various cable sizes while maintaining reliable strain relief and sealing performance.
4Reliability
If complex fastening mechanisms are used, then cable securing is improved, but ease of removal and reuse is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism uses movable components that can be easily actuated to release and reposition the connector. This dynamic design allows the connector to maintain secure cable retention during normal operation while enabling quick removal and reuse when needed, resolving the contradiction between securing reliability and operational convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector having a generally tubular shape with a frontal portion and a rear portion is provided. The frontal portion is on a plane perpendicular to an axis with an undivided annular structure having an outer semi-conic wing that secures the cable connector to a knock-out opening prior to a cable insertion therein and an inner receptacle structure for receiving a cable in a direction that is parallel to the axis. A rear grasping portion separated into a pivoting rigid latch segment with a tightening handle for clasping against a fixed slot segment with a releasing handle for grasping the inserted cable is also provided.