Electrical Connector Post Piercing Conductor Carrier
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical assemblies require specific types and numbers of conductors to securely connect with electrical connectors, making it necessary to change connectors if the number of wires changes, which is inconvenient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector with a post that extends through and retains a conductor carrier, such as a mesh sleeve, regardless of the type and number of conductors, using a housing member with a post that can pierce or slide through the carrier, ensuring secure connection without needing to change the connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical connectors are used that require specific types and numbers of conductors to pass the pull test, then secure connection is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to needing multiple connector types
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is designed with a universal retaining structure that can accommodate different types and numbers of conductors within the conductor carrier. The retaining member engages with the conductor carrier itself rather than requiring specific conductor configurations, allowing one connector design to serve multiple applications regardless of conductor variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the retention function from the conductor-conductor interaction and relocates it to a dedicated retaining member that engages with the conductor carrier. This separates the retention mechanism from the conductor-specific coupling, allowing the connector to maintain secure connection without being dependent on specific conductor types or numbers.
2Reliability
If more conductors are included to ensure secure connection, then pull test reliability improves, but loss of substance increases due to unnecessary conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is extracted from the conductor assembly and assigned to a dedicated retaining member that engages with the conductor carrier. This allows the conductor carrier to be securely retained without requiring excess conductors, as the retention mechanism operates independently of conductor quantity or type.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member acts as an intermediary between the electrical connector and the conductor carrier. It provides the secure connection needed to pass the pull test while allowing the actual conductors to be present only in the quantities needed for electrical functionality, not for mechanical retention.
3Reliability
If conductor carrier retention is achieved through conductor coupling, then connection security improves, but ease of operation decreases when conductor types or numbers change
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector incorporates a universal retaining structure that engages with the conductor carrier regardless of conductor type or number. This allows the same connector design to be used across different applications, improving ease of operation while maintaining connection security through the dedicated retaining member.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member serves as an intermediary that provides consistent mechanical engagement with the conductor carrier across different conductor configurations. This decouples the retention mechanism from conductor-specific details, allowing operators to use the same connector without reconfiguration when conductor types or numbers change.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention, in one form, is directed to an electrical assembly including a conductor carrier, a plurality of conductors at least partially within the conductor carrier, and an electrical connector coupled with the plurality of conductors. The electrical connector includes a housing member and at least one post. The housing member includes a first wall and a second wall. The post is connected to the first wall, extends toward the second wall, extends through the conductor carrier, and terminates at least near the second wall, the post being disposed between at least two of the plurality of conductors. In an embodiment of the present invention, the post transversely pierces the conductor carrier.