Cable Termination Device With Tool-Engagement Sealing Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable termination devices for photovoltaic power generating systems are not sufficiently safe for inexperienced users and can be accidentally opened, posing a risk due to ease of disassembly without tools, and they are costly and require high assembly effort.
Innovation Solution
A cable termination device with a housing featuring a rounded sealing cap and screwing unit that requires a tool for assembly and disassembly, incorporating a securing means with slots or through-holes for tool engagement, and a splicing ring with clamping contours and grooves for secure cable retention, providing protection against accidental opening and ensuring safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sealing cap is made with a standard hexagonal or flat shape, then it is easy to assemble and disassemble by hand, but it allows accidental opening and reduces safety
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing cap is given a rounded-off outer end instead of a standard hexagonal or flat shape. This asymmetric, non-standard geometry prevents hand engagement while allowing tool engagement through specifically designed slots or through-holes, thereby achieving both safety against accidental opening and controlled ease of operation with proper tools
2Ease of manufacture
If the cable termination device uses simple housing parts made of plastics material, then it reduces manufacturing cost, but it is subject to settlement processes that may compromise sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded-off shaping of the sealing cap is designed in advance to compensate for settlement processes that may occur in plastic housing parts. The geometry is pre-engineered to maintain effective sealing and tool engagement even after dimensional changes due to settling, thereby preserving both reliability and ease of manufacture
3Ease of operation
If the cable termination device allows tool-free opening, then it simplifies operation for users, but it exposes inexperienced persons to electrical risk
Solution Approach 1:
A tool is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the cable termination device. The rounded-off sealing cap with slots or through-holes requires this intermediary tool for opening, thereby maintaining operational simplicity for authorized users while preventing unauthorized or accidental opening by inexperienced persons, thus eliminating the electrical risk
Data Source
AI summary
A cable termination device includes a housing and an insertion opening for a cable in order to terminate the cable end so that it is safe to touch. The housing includes a sealing cap and a screw-on unit cooperating therewith. The insertion opening for receiving at least one cable end is provided on the screw-on unit, and the sealing cap has a rounded design toward the outer end.