Cable Splice Assembly for Modular Low-Voltage Conductor Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical systems face challenges in efficiently and adaptably connecting low voltage conductors between transformers and power distribution modules, often requiring longer, heavier conductors that are difficult to install and limit flexibility in system expansion.

Innovation Solution

The use of splice assemblies with enclosures, splice plates, and clamps allows for secure connection of low voltage conductors in various configurations, enabling the use of shorter, more manageable conductor lengths and facilitating adaptable expansion of electrical systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If longer, heavier conductors are used to connect transformers and power distribution modules, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the ease of installation deteriorates and system flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrical connection system into modular components: splice assemblies with enclosures, splice plates, and individual conductor segments. This segmentation allows conductors to be connected in manageable sections rather than requiring single long continuous conductors, improving ease of installation while maintaining reliable electrical connections through proper splicing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The splice assembly acts as an intermediary device between conductor segments. It provides a structured environment with clamps and splice plates that facilitate reliable electrical connections between shorter conductor pieces, eliminating the need for long heavy conductors while ensuring connection reliability through the intermediary splicing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If longer, heavier conductors are used to connect transformers and power distribution modules, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the adaptability of the system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidsystem expansion flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the electrical system into modular conductor pieces connected through splice assemblies, the system becomes adaptable and reconfigurable. Individual conductor segments can be easily added, removed, or repositioned within the splice assembly framework, enabling flexible system expansion while maintaining reliable connections through standardized splicing interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The splice assembly design enables dynamic reconfiguration of electrical connections. Conductors can be easily installed, removed, or repositioned within the enclosure using the clamp and splice plate mechanism, allowing the system to adapt to changing requirements without requiring permanent fixed installations or long heavy conductors that limit flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If shorter, more manageable conductor lengths are used, then the ease of installation is improved, but the electrical connection reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The splice assembly serves as an intermediary that ensures reliable electrical connections between short conductor segments. The clamp securely holds the conductor to the splice plate, creating a dependable electrical connection that compensates for the shorter conductor length, thereby maintaining reliability while improving ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the connection reliability function from the conductor itself and places it in the splice assembly mechanism. Instead of relying on long conductors to provide inherent connection stability, the splice assembly's clamp and splice plate structure provides the reliability, allowing the use of shorter, more manageable conductor lengths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If modular splice assemblies are used to connect conductors, then the adaptability of system expansion is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem expansion flexibilityVSAvoidsplice assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The splice assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit: the enclosure houses all components, the splice plate provides both mechanical support and electrical conduction, and the clamp combines mechanical fastening with electrical connection. This merging reduces overall system complexity despite the modular design, as each assembly is a self-contained unit that simplifies installation and maintenance while providing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240322550A1Cable Splice System
Publication Date: 2024.09.26 ERICO INTERNATIONAL CORP
  • US20240322550A1 patent drawing
  • US20240322550A1 patent drawing
  • US20240322550A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A splice assembly for conductor can include an enclosure, a splice plate, and one or more clamps. The enclosure can include a first aperture and a second aperture that receive a first conductor and a second conductor. The first conductor can extend through the first aperture and can be secured to the splice plate with a first clamp. The second conductor can extend through the second aperture and can be secured to the splice plate with a second clamp.