Compact Distributor Housing With S-Shaped Cable Branching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical distribution boxes often lack sufficient connections, are prone to technical failures due to lack of strain relief for branch conductors, and are too tall for narrow installations, making them unsuitable for many industrial applications.

Innovation Solution

A distributor housing with S-shaped conductor guides, insulation displacement contacts, and branch contacts that allow for branching of multi-core cables without cutting, featuring a contact plate with embedded connection and branch contacts for secure electrical connections, and cable glands for strain relief, enabling space-saving and reliable energy distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional distribution boxes are used to provide multiple connections, then the number of connections increases, but the height of the device increases making it unsuitable for narrow installation spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of connectionsVSAvoidheight of distribution box
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a traditional vertical stacking arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial configuration where connection elements are distributed across multiple levels and directions. The S-shaped guides and multi-level contact plate arrangement utilize horizontal and diagonal spaces, transforming the problem from a one-dimensional height constraint to a multi-dimensional space utilization solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where the contact plate with multiple contact elements is embedded within the housing, and the S-shaped guides are integrated into the same space. The branch conductors are routed through the housing structure itself, nesting multiple functional elements within a compact volume to minimize external dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If branch contacts are provided without strain relief, then the installation is simpler, but the reliability decreases due to potential technical failures in harsh environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates strain relief mechanisms at the cable entry points and along the conductor routing paths before the conductors reach the connection points. This preventive measure absorbs mechanical stresses and prevents failure at the vulnerable connection interfaces, ensuring reliability without complicating the basic connection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Length of stationary object

If the distribution housing is made compact for narrow installations, then the installation space requirement decreases, but the number of available connections is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidnumber of available connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the connection system into multiple independent contact elements arranged on the contact plate, each accessible through separate openings in the housing. This segmentation allows multiple connections to be distributed across the compact housing surface area, maintaining high connection capacity within a small volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes multi-level contact arrangements where contact elements are positioned at different heights and angles within the housing. The S-shaped guides route conductors through three-dimensional paths, effectively packing more connections into a smaller footprint by utilizing vertical and angular dimensions rather than only horizontal spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3706248B1Distributor housing
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 HARTING CUSTOMISED SOLUTIONS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3706248B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3706248B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a distribution housing (1) for electrical power distribution, wherein the distribution housing (1) has a cable entry opening (9) into which a multi-core cable (2) is inserted into the distribution housing (1), wherein the distribution housing (1) has a cable exit opening (10) through which the multi-core cable (2) is led out of the distribution housing (1), wherein the distribution housing (1) has connection contacts (3) with which individual conductors (7, 7') of the multi-core cable (2) are electrically contacted, wherein the distribution housing (1) has branch contacts (4) which are electrically connected to the connection contacts (3), wherein the distribution housing (1) has at least two branch openings (11, 11') between which several branch conductors (12, 12') run, wherein the branch conductors (12, 12') are each electrically connected to a branch contact (4).