Electrical Connector Tangent Guiding Surface for Conductor Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical terminal connectors lack a defined guiding surface on the wire receiving end, which hinders the insertion of conductors due to catching strands, and often have sharp edges or inadequate entry ports for facilitating the insertion of cut ends or cables.

Innovation Solution

An electrical terminal connector with a wire receiving hole featuring a guiding surface tangent to the opening, defined by columns or tapered walls extending from the opening to the top surface, providing a bearing surface for the cut end of the conductor and facilitating easy insertion by aligning and twisting the conductor onto the guiding surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a groove is provided at the bottom of the wire receiving opening for accepting a smaller wire, then the connector can accommodate smaller wires, but the groove can catch a strand of the conductor and hinder insertion of the conductor into the larger wire receiving opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate different wire sizesVSAvoidease of insertion of conductor

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wire receiving opening is segmented into two distinct regions: a larger opening for inserting the conductor and a smaller groove for receiving the wire. This segmentation allows different wire sizes to be accommodated while preventing strand catching during insertion, as the larger opening provides a clear path for conductor insertion without obstructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the wire receiving opening are given different geometric properties. The main opening has a larger diameter with a guiding surface for easy insertion, while the groove has a smaller diameter positioned at the bottom. This local differentiation in geometry allows the connector to handle both insertion ease and multi-size compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If a polygonal opening is provided in the electrical connector for a conductor, then the connector has a defined shape, but the numerous sharp edges create catching points that hinder insertion of the conductor into the opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefined shape of openingVSAvoidease of insertion of conductor

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wire receiving opening is designed with a circular cross-section and includes a guiding surface that is tangent to the opening. This curved, circular geometry eliminates the sharp edges inherent in polygonal openings, preventing conductor strands from catching on edges while maintaining a well-defined opening shape for proper conductor alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Shape

If the bottom of the channel is disposed below the wire receiving opening, then a channel structure is formed, but another sharp edge is created to catch a strand of the conductor thereupon

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel structureVSAvoidease of insertion of conductor

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The channel is designed with a curved, arcuate cross-section rather than a sharp-edged geometry. The guiding surface is tangent to the wire receiving opening and follows a curved path, eliminating sharp edges that would catch conductor strands. This curved channel structure maintains its structural integrity while providing smooth conductor insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS7445527B1Electrical connector, entrance guide therefor and methods of making the same

Publication Date: 2008.11.04 DURHAM COMPANY THE

AI summary

An electrical terminal connector has a wire receiving opening disposed through a body member thereof, the wire receiving opening having a defined guiding surface provided on an insertion side of the body member. The defined guiding surface is tangent to the wire receiving opening.