Connector With Segmented Blind Bores For Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical and electrical connectors face challenges in providing a watertight connection for multi-phase power cables, particularly when connecting neutral conductors to ground, as they require complex sealing processes and often damage cold shrinkable insulating sleeves, especially when using braided grounding conductors.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical and electrical connector design that includes first and second blind bores of different diameters, allowing for the connection of two conductors and a grounding conductor, facilitating the use of cold shrink technologies and providing a compact, reliable watertight solution by using a circular, solid grounding conductor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If braided grounding conductors are used in existing connectors, then the connector can accommodate grounding connections, but the sealing process becomes complex and cold shrinkable insulating sleeves are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different bore diameters for different functions: larger first blind bores for phase conductors and a smaller second blind bore for the grounding conductor. This localized differentiation allows the grounding conductor to be received in a dedicated, appropriately-sized bore, simplifying the sealing process while maintaining grounding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body is segmented into multiple blind bores with different diameters, each optimized for specific conductor types. The second blind bore is specifically designed for grounding conductors, separating the grounding function from phase conductor connections and enabling simpler sealing for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If connector diameter is increased or protrusion shapes are added to accommodate grounding conductors, then grounding connections can be made, but the connector size increases and sealing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The second blind bore for grounding conductors is nested within the connector body structure, utilizing the existing wall space efficiently. The threaded bores for grounding are positioned to extend through the outer wall into the second blind bore without requiring external protrusions, allowing the grounding function to be integrated within the existing connector volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the dimensional space within the connector body by creating blind bores that extend from the end face into the body volume. The second blind bore for grounding is positioned and oriented to optimize space utilization, allowing grounding conductor accommodation without increasing the external connector diameter
3Reliability
If complex sealing processes are used for existing connectors, then watertight connections can be achieved, but the connection efficiency and durability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the blind bores, specifically providing a smaller second blind bore for grounding conductors compared to the larger first blind bores for phase conductors. This parameter optimization allows for simpler, more efficient sealing processes while maintaining reliable watertight connections, as each bore size is optimized for its specific conductor type
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a mechanical and electrical connector (100) and to a connector system using the same. The connector (100) comprises an electrically conductive body (101) extending between two end faces (102, 103), first blind bores (104, 105) extending into the body (101) from each one of the two end faces (102, 103) and being adapted for receiving therein corresponding end portions of two conductors to be mechanically and electrically connected to each other, and one or more threaded bores (107, 108, 109, 110) extending through an outer wall (111) of the body (101) into each one of said first blind bores (104, 105). The connector (100) further comprises a second blind bore (112, 113) extending into the body from at least one of said two end faces (102, 103) and being adapted for receiving therein an end portion of a third conductor, in particular a grounding conductor, and one or more threaded bores (114, 115) extending through the outer wall (111) of the body (101) into said second blind bore (112, 113).