Cable Gland Armour Clamp Insert for Variable Armour Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for cable glands often fail to provide a reliable mechanical and electrical connection for different types of armour layers, such as single wire and braid, due to the need for interchangeable cones and varying tapering gaps, leading to potential connection failures and complexity in determining a secure clamping.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a displaceable clamping surface and a compensator that can accommodate a range of armour layer thicknesses, allowing for secure clamping of both single wire and braid armour using a single type of cable connector assembly, maintaining a constant axial length and facilitating easier identification of a reliable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable cones of different sizes are provided for different armour types, then the clamping device can accommodate different armour types, but the complexity of the device increases and the risk of choosing the wrong cone increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate both single wire armour and braid armour types through a single design. The insert includes a clamping surface with displaceable portions that can adapt to different armour configurations, eliminating the need for multiple interchangeable cones while maintaining versatility across armour types.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping surface includes displaceable portions that can dynamically adjust their position based on the armour type being clamped. This dynamic adaptation allows the same insert to effectively clamp different armour types (single wire or braid) by allowing the displaceable portions to move to appropriate positions, providing adaptability without requiring multiple static cone options.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tapering gap with varying positions is used to accommodate different armour types, then different armour thicknesses can be clamped, but it becomes difficult to determine whether a reliable clamping connection has been made
Solution Approach 1:
The insert includes a visual indicator feature that changes position or appearance based on the clamping state. When the armour layer is properly clamped between the clamping surface and clamping member, the visual indicator assumes a predetermined position that clearly indicates to the user that a reliable clamping connection has been achieved. This eliminates the difficulty of determining proper clamping with varying tapering gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator provides immediate feedback to the user about the clamping status. As the armour layer is clamped and the displaceable portions move to their final positions, the visual indicator automatically assumes a predetermined position that confirms proper clamping. This feedback mechanism makes it easy to determine whether a reliable clamping connection has been made, regardless of the armour type or thickness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the position of the cone and clamping ring varies with armour type, then different armour types can be accommodated, but the overall length of the clamping apparatus varies making reliable connection determination more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The displaceable portions of the clamping surface are designed to change their position parameters based on the armour type being clamped. When different armour types (single wire or braid) are inserted, the displaceable portions move to different positions to accommodate the specific armour configuration, while the overall length of the insert remains constant. This allows adaptability to different armour types without varying the overall dimensions of the clamping apparatus.
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 ensures a secure and reliable mechanical and electrical connection for various armour types without requiring interchangeable inserts, simplifies the manufacturing process, and makes it easier to determine a proper clamping connection, reducing the risk of failure and improving the overall reliability of the cable connector assembly.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of at least one said clamping surface is displaceable towards the inner part of the cable when said inner part extends through said aperture as a result of engagement of the insert with the armour layer clamped between the clamping surface and the clamping member
Data Source
AI summary
An insert for a clamping device for clamping an armour layer of a cable in a cable gland is disclosed. The insert comprises a body (54) adapted to be received in a cable gland and defining an aperture (60) for receiving an inner part of a cable. A clamping portion (62) is adapted to engage an armour layer of the cable to clamp the armour layer between the clamping portion and a clamping member of the clamping device when the clamping member is arranged outwardly of the clamping portion. At least part of the clamping portion is displaceable inwards as a result of engagement of the clamping portion with the armour layer clamped between the clamping portion and the clamping member.