Cable Termination Housing With Rotatable Fastener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable termination systems face challenges such as complex installation processes, high risk of improper connections, excessive stack height, and reduced dielectric strength due to the use of separate components and large threaded apertures, which complicate the connection of electrical cables to apparatus like transformers and high voltage switches.
Innovation Solution
A simplified cable termination system with a built-in, integrally molded component and a rotatable fastener that aligns and secures the connection within the housing, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing the stack height, while ensuring proper alignment and secure electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components and large threaded apertures are used in cable termination systems, then the connection can be made between electrical cables and apparatus, but the installation process becomes complex and the risk of improper connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (lug, aperture, fastener, alignment features) into an integrally molded single-piece termination system. This merging eliminates the need for separate threaded apertures and multiple mating devices, simplifying the installation process while maintaining secure electrical connections between cables and apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The termination system incorporates pre-formed alignment features (such as alignment pins, guide slots, or keyed interfaces) that are molded into the structure during manufacturing. These preliminary alignment mechanisms ensure proper positioning of components before final assembly, reducing the risk of improper connections during installation.
2Reliability
If separate components are used in cable termination systems, then the connection can be made, but the stack height becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the lug, aperture, and fastener components into a single molded unit, the patent eliminates the cumulative height that would result from stacking multiple separate components. This merging significantly reduces the overall stack height while maintaining the structural integrity and stability of the electrical connection.
3Reliability
If separate components and threaded apertures are used in cable termination systems, then the connection can be made, but the dielectric strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integral molding process creates a unified structure with continuous dielectric material surrounding the electrical connection points. This eliminates potential weak points that would exist at the interfaces between separate components, thereby enhancing the overall dielectric strength and electrical insulation performance of the termination system.
4Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used in cable termination systems, then the connection can be made, but installation errors increase and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The single-piece molded construction eliminates the need for field assembly of multiple components, thereby eliminating installation errors that could arise from improper assembly. The integrated design ensures that all alignment and connection features are precisely positioned during manufacturing, improving installation accuracy while simplifying the field installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-forming all alignment features, mounting surfaces, and connection interfaces during the molding process, the patent eliminates the need for complex field assembly procedures. This preliminary action during manufacturing ensures precise positioning and reduces the potential for installation errors, while also lowering overall system costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable termination housing for terminating a cable to one or more devices includes a bore for receiving a device mating portion, a component portion integrally formed within the housing, the component portion having a fastener that is slidable between a retracted position wherein fastener does not extend into the lug aperture of the cable assembly and an extended position wherein the fastener extends into the lug aperture. Preferably, the fastener is rotatable while in its extended position so as to couple with the device mating portion.