Connector Strain Relief Device with Hinge and Rotation Limit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems fail to effectively manage strain on elongate conductors, particularly at the point where they exit the connector body, leading to potential damage from excessive tension and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A strain relief device with two half ring portions joined by a hinge mechanism and a rotation limiting feature, which allows lateral attachment to the conductor and prevents over-rotation, is integrated into the connector system, utilizing polymeric materials and an elastomeric seal to secure the cable and prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conductor exits the connector body without strain relief, then the connector structure remains simple, but the conductor is vulnerable to damage from excessive tension and strain
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief device is divided into two separable half rings that can be independently handled during assembly. This segmentation allows the strain relief function to be added without requiring complete disassembly of the connector, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining conductor protection
Solution Approach 2:
The half ring strain relief device is designed to be installed over the conductor and then integrated into the connector body structure. The strain relief device nests within the existing connector geometry, adding protective functionality without significantly increasing the overall device footprint or structural complexity
2Ease of operation
If the strain relief device allows full rotation, then ease of assembly is improved, but the hinge mechanism may be damaged from over-rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation limiting feature is pre-configured in the strain relief device to prevent over-rotation before it can damage the hinge mechanism. By designing the rotation limit into the structure beforehand, the hinge is protected from excessive movement while still allowing sufficient rotation for assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation limiting feature is designed and positioned in advance to guide the assembly process. The feature prepares the strain relief device to automatically limit rotation during installation, preventing hinge damage before it occurs while maintaining ease of assembly
3Strength
If the half rings are permanently fixed together, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability for different installation scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief device transitions from a static, permanently fixed structure to a dynamic, separable design. The two half rings can be separated during assembly to accommodate different installation scenarios and conductor configurations, while maintaining structural strength when assembled through the hinge connection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A connector assembly (100) includes a connector body (104), a flexible elongate conductor (102), such as an electrical cable, that is terminated within the connector body (104), and a strain relief device (112) attached to the connector body (104). The strain relief device (112) has a clamping collar (114) configured to surround a portion of the conductor (102). The clamping collar (114) comprises a first half ring (116) and a second half ring (118), each having first ends (120) that are separable to allow the strain relief device (112) to be fitted over the conductor (102). The first and second half rings (116, 118) each have second ends (122) joined by a hinge feature (124). The clamping collar (114) further includes means for limiting rotation of the first and second half rings (116, 118) about the hinge (124), such as a first arm (128) extending from the first half ring (116) and a second arm (130) extending from the second half ring (118). The first arm (128) is configured to contact the second arm (130), thereby limiting the rotation.