Captive Connector Interface for Preventing Conductor Strand Separation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wedge type electrical connectors face issues with conductor strands separating or unraveling during the clamping process, leading to poor connection stability and potential disconnection.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a wedge type electrical cable connector with a frame, wedge support wall, and a rear wall forming a wedge receiving channel, along with a convex longitudinal bump on the lower concave contact surface of the interface to prevent strand separation by ensuring a secure grip on the conductor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wedge type electrical connector is used to clamp conductors, then the electrical connection is established, but the conductor strands separate or unravel during the clamping process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidconductor strand integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The contact surface of the interface is modified with a convex longitudinal bump that creates localized high-friction zones. This local quality change prevents strand separation at the critical contact point while maintaining overall connector functionality. The bump concentrates clamping force and friction at specific locations to secure individual strands without compromising the entire conductor assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The convex longitudinal bump acts as an intermediary feature between the interface and conductor strands. It mediates the clamping action by providing a positive mechanical engagement point that prevents strand slippage and unraveling, thereby ensuring stable electrical connection without direct damage to the conductor structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the clamping action is tightened to secure the connection, then the electrical connection stability improves, but the conductor strands begin to separate or unravel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidstrand separation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The convex longitudinal bump creates localized high-friction zones on the contact surface. This local quality change allows the clamping force to be effectively transmitted to secure the connection while preventing strand separation through increased friction at the bump location, thus resolving the contradiction between connection stability and strand integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The convex longitudinal bump provides preliminary resistance to strand slippage before significant clamping force is applied. This preliminary anti-action prevents the initiation of strand separation, allowing the clamping action to be tightened without causing harmful strand unraveling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS20230387613A1Connector with captive interface

Publication Date: 2023.11.30 BURNDY LLC

AI summary

An interface for use with a wedge type cable connector, the interface includes a body having first and second longitudinal side walls and upper and lower concave longitudinal contact surfaces, wherein the lower concave longitudinal contact surface includes a convex longitudinal bump.