Connector Continuity Recovery System for VDI Cable Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for Voice, Data, Images (V.D.I.) cables face challenges in connecting electrical continuity wires to external shields, which complicates the installation process due to the need for specific connection parts and can be tricky to implement, especially in limited spaces.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a socket with conductive terminals and a removable grommet device equipped with a continuity recovery system that includes a slot for the electrical continuity wire, allowing prior assembly of transmission wires and the continuity wire before connecting to the rest of the connector, along with a conductive flange for alternative connection methods, facilitating easy and quick installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional connector design is used with separate components for connecting transmission wires and continuity wire, then the connection of electrical continuity wire to external shield becomes complex and requires specific connectors, but the structural integrity and electrical continuity are ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cable installationVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cable gland and continuity recovery system into a single integrated unit. The cable gland includes both transmission wire passage notches and a slot for the electrical continuity wire, allowing both types of wires to be connected simultaneously through one component rather than requiring separate connectors for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable gland serves multiple functions: it secures the cable, guides transmission wires to terminals, and provides a slot for connecting the electrical continuity wire to the external shield. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional specialized connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the continuity wire is connected after the cable is installed, then the installation process is simplified, but the electrical continuity connection becomes difficult to access and implement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidaccessibility of continuity wire connection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The slot for the electrical continuity wire is pre-formed in the cable gland during manufacturing. This allows the continuity wire to be connected at the same time as the cable is installed, rather than requiring a separate later step. The passage notches for transmission wires and the slot for continuity wire are both prepared in advance in the cable gland structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the cable gland is designed with only transmission wire passages, then the structure is simple, but the electrical continuity wire cannot be connected to the external shield

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical continuity connectionVSAvoidcable gland structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable gland has different structural features for different functions: passage notches for transmission wires and a slot for the electrical continuity wire. Each area of the cable gland is designed with the specific quality needed for its purpose, allowing both transmission and continuity wire connections within a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4057454B1Connector comprising a continuity recovery system
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 OMELCOM
  • EP4057454B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4057454B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4057454B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

Connector (1) comprising a socket (3) and an output (5) configured to be connected to a cable, the output (5) comprising conductive terminals (7) electrically connected to the socket (3) and a removable cable gland (9), the connector (1) further comprising a continuity take-back system (19) configured to connect an electrical continuity wire of the cable to an external shield (21) of the connector (1), the continuity take-back system (19) having a slot (23) configured to receive the electrical continuity wire, the continuity take-back system (19) having an additional slot provided in the insertion end, the additional slot being configured to receive the electrical continuity wire, the electrical continuity wire extending transversely in the insertion direction (13) in the additional slot.