Cable Terminal Connection Device with Stepped Insert Profile

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection devices for electric cable terminal sections face challenges in accommodating cables with varying diameters, requiring complex mechanisms like inserts and angularly offset screws, which complicate manufacturing and usage.

Innovation Solution

A connection device featuring a conductive element with axial and radial threads, a gutter-shaped insert with stepped profiles, and clamping screws that allow for easy installation and removal without angular immobilization, enabling excellent clamping and electrical contact without the need for precise indexing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a tubular insert is placed in the housing to accommodate smaller cables, then the device can handle a wider range of cable cross-sections, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable cross-section rangeVSAvoidinsert mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single housing is designed with a universal internal geometry that can accommodate both small and large cable cross-sections without requiring separate inserts or components. The housing internally adapts to different cable sizes through its geometric design, eliminating the need for additional adaptability mechanisms.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The insert mechanism is completely removed from the design. Instead of adding a tubular insert to handle smaller cables, the invention extracts this additional component entirely and relies solely on the housing's internal geometry to accommodate all cable sizes within the specified range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If projections and recesses are added to maintain insert orientation, then the insert remains correctly oriented, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsert angular orientationVSAvoidindexing features
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

All indexing features such as projections and recesses are removed from the design. The invention extracts these orientation-maintaining elements and replaces them with a geometric housing design that inherently accommodates cables of various orientations and sizes without requiring precise angular positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing employs asymmetric geometric features that naturally guide and accommodate cables of different sizes and orientations without requiring symmetric indexing elements. The asymmetric design allows the cable itself to define its orientation within the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tapped holes are positioned with axial and angular distances, then clamping of various cable sizes is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable size accommodationVSAvoidthreaded hole arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing incorporates a universal tapped hole arrangement that serves multiple functions: securing both small and large cables effectively. The holes are positioned and dimensioned to provide universal clamping capability across the full range of cable cross-sections without requiring additional fastening points or complex positioning.

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

4Ease of operation

If the insert is free to pivot without angular immobilization, then the ease of operation improves, but the stability of the insert orientation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsert installation and removalVSAvoidinsert angular position
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the concept of insert pivoting and angular immobilization entirely. Instead of having an insert that can pivot and then be locked in position, the design removes the insert component altogether and uses the housing geometry to directly accommodate cables in any orientation, making installation and removal trivial without compromising stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3246992B1Connection device for a terminal section of an electric cable
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 SOCIETE INDUSTRIELLE DE CONSTRUCTION DAPPAREILS ET DE MATERIEL ELECTRIQUES
  • EP3246992B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3246992B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3246992B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The device comprises a tubular portion (11) having a housing (17) for said end section; a gutter-shaped insert (4) configured to be disposed in the housing; and axially and angularly offset clamping screws. Each of the longitudinal intermediate faces (22, 23) of the insert has a stepped profile.