Cable Gland Contact Element Geometry to Prevent Tilting on Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable glands are prone to tilting or jamming during installation, especially with small cable diameters, leading to complicated installation and suboptimal electrical contact.

Innovation Solution

A cable gland with a contact element featuring geometrically identical turns, each comprising a holding section, support sections, and extension sections, designed to securely engage with the cable gland and stabilize the cable, ensuring easy installation and secure electrical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional cable glands with contact elements are used, then electrical contact function is provided, but the contact element tilts or jams during installation especially with small cable diameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidinstallation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The contact element is designed with a dynamic structure that allows it to adapt its shape during installation. The contact element can deform to accommodate cables of different diameters and then return to its original shape to provide stable electrical contact, preventing tilting and jamming during installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the contact element, specifically using a circular cross-section instead of triangular, and optimizing the curvature radius to be at least 0.5 times the cable diameter. This parameter optimization ensures the contact element can smoothly accommodate small diameter cables without tilting or jamming

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional contact elements are used, then cable guidance is provided, but twisting occurs leading to complicated installation or prevented optimal electrical contact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidelectrical contact precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The contact element's dynamic flexibility allows it to guide the cable through the cable gland without resisting its natural bending, preventing twisting. The cable can follow its own curvature while the contact element adapts, ensuring both easy installation and optimal electrical contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The contact element is designed with flexible characteristics similar to thin films, allowing it to conform to the cable's shape and guide it smoothly through the assembly without creating twisting forces that would complicate installation or prevent optimal contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If conventional contact elements are used, then cable support is provided, but flexible cables cannot be conveniently installed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cable installationVSAvoidadaptability to flexible cables
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the curvature radius parameter to be at least 0.5 times the cable diameter, which allows the contact element to accommodate flexible cables of various diameters. This parameter change enables the contact element to support flexible cables while maintaining ease of installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The contact element is designed to be universal, working effectively with both rigid and flexible cables of different diameters. The circular cross-section and optimized curvature allow it to provide support and guidance for diverse cable types, enhancing adaptability while maintaining ease of installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4490815B1Cable gland, use of a cable gland and contact element
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 PFLITSCH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4490815B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4490815B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4490815B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention proposes a cable gland (50) comprising a component (52) and at least one contact element (10). In this cable gland, the at least one contact element (10) comprises a plurality of substantially geometrically uniformly shaped turns, wherein each turn comprises a retaining section for electrically contacting the component (52) surrounding the contact element (10), at least one supporting section for electrically contacting a shield of a elongate shaped part, and a first and a second extent section, wherein the retaining section, the first extent section and the at least one supporting section are arranged one behind another.