Conductor Guide Housing for Fast, Error-Proof Cable Contacting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical cable installation technologies are inflexible and costly, particularly in field applications where precise cable lengths are required, and current Ethernet technology is overly complex for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications.
Innovation Solution
A guide device with a guide housing and structure that ensures precise alignment and assignment of electrical conductors to contact means, utilizing a coding system to facilitate correct connections and simplify the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pre-assembled cables are used during installation, then the installation process is simplified, but flexibility is limited by cable availability and fixed lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is segmented into modular components: pre-manufactured cable sections with standardized connectors that can be easily assembled in the field. This allows installation simplification while maintaining flexibility through modular combination of standard segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized connectors and cable assemblies are designed to serve multiple applications and configurations. The universal interface allows the same cable components to be used across different IIoT devices and network topologies, providing both installation ease and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If field assembly of cables is performed, then flexibility is improved, but installation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Cable sections are pre-assembled with connectors and contacts attached during manufacturing, performing the complex assembly operations in advance. This preliminary action eliminates time-consuming field operations while maintaining the flexibility to configure different cable lengths and configurations from pre-prepared modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable design incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features that automatically perform alignment and connection functions during assembly, reducing the need for manual adjustment and specialized tools, thereby decreasing installation time while maintaining flexibility.
3Reliability
If conventional connectors and cables are used for IIoT applications, then compatibility is maintained, but complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design changes key parameters such as contact arrangement, housing geometry, and locking mechanisms to simplify the overall system. These parameter changes maintain electrical compatibility and mechanical reliability while reducing assembly complexity and component count for IIoT applications.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex features from conventional connectors are extracted and simplified for IIoT-specific applications. Only the essential functions needed for reliable connection are retained, while unnecessary complexity is removed, resulting in simpler, more cost-effective solutions that maintain compatibility.
4Strength
If conventional cable assembly methods are used, then connection strength is achieved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates cost-effective materials and simplified manufacturing processes that reduce production and installation costs. The connectors are designed for easy replacement and reconfiguration, providing economical solutions that maintain adequate connection strength for IIoT applications without requiring expensive precision components.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a guide device for guiding a contacting of electrical conductors of a cable with electrical contact means of a component, comprising:a guide housing which is at least partially electrically insulating, anda guide structure, which is formed on the guide housing for guiding the electrical conductors and/or the electrical contact means during contacting.