Connector Back Shells with Multiple Cable Exit Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector back shell designs require multiple components and are complex, making it difficult to change cable orientations during assembly and leading to potential Foreign Object Debris issues in high-stress applications, while also necessitating the purchase of various back shell components for different orientations.

Innovation Solution

A connector back shell design featuring a hollow cylindrical forward section, a transitional element with orthogonal edges and symmetrically patterned holes, and a cable retaining device that allows for multiple cable exit angles with a single set of components, providing strain relief and adjustable cable positioning using tie wraps or split pins with retaining collars.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple back shell components are used to accommodate different cable orientations, then cable exit angle versatility is improved, but device complexity and component quantity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable exit angle versatilityVSAvoidback shell component complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The back shell is designed with multiple cable exit openings at different angles (0°, 45°, 90°) integrated into a single component, allowing one back shell to serve multiple cable orientation requirements. This eliminates the need for multiple separate back shell components and reduces inventory complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple cable exit openings that would traditionally require separate back shell components are merged into a single integrated back shell structure. The back shell combines multiple functions (supporting different cable angles, providing strain relief, maintaining EMI shielding) in one unified component, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable cable orientation mechanisms are added to accommodate different angles, then cable exit angle versatility is improved, but Foreign Object Debris risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable exit angle versatilityVSAvoidForeign Object Debris

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cable exit openings at different angles are integrated directly into the back shell structure, eliminating the need for separate adjustable mechanisms, screws, or fasteners that could loosen and become FOD. The fixed integrated openings provide cable orientation versatility without introducing additional components that could generate Foreign Object Debris.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple back shell components are stocked for different orientations, then cable exit angle versatility is improved, but inventory cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable exit angle versatilityVSAvoidback shell component inventory

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single back shell design with multiple integrated cable exit openings replaces the need to stock multiple different back shell variants. This universal back shell serves all cable orientation requirements (0°, 45°, 90°), significantly reducing inventory quantities and associated costs while maintaining full versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If cable orientation adjustment mechanisms are added, then cable exit angle versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable exit angle versatilityVSAvoidcable orientation adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cable exit openings are permanently integrated into the back shell structure, eliminating the need for adjustment mechanisms. The installer simply selects the appropriate pre-formed opening for the required cable angle, making the process simpler and more straightforward than adjusting mechanical mechanisms while still providing full orientation versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8025525B2Connector back shells having a plurality of cable exit angles

Publication Date: 2011.09.27 JOSLYN SUNBANK CO LLC

AI summary

A wiring connector back shell having a plurality of cable exit angles is disclosed. The back shell has a single transition element with a number of holes fashioned therein, which allow a cable retaining device to be fastened thereto. The cable retaining device provides strain relief for the cable exiting the back shell, as well as determining the exit angle of the cable. The cable retaining device has integral pins which mate with hole patterns in the transition element, and are locked in place with a retaining collar. Alternatively, cable ties or tie wraps may be utilized to fasten the cable to the transition element. The system provides a high reliability, low mass method for cable back shells wherein cable exit angles are easily changed or chosen in the field.