Connector Wire Retention Device for Marker Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pluggable connectors often mask identification markers with conducting wires, making them difficult to read, and struggle to securely manage bundles of wires.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical holding device made of insulating material with a cavity and complementary binding elements ensures the marker is visible and protected, using through holes and flexible circular rings to secure the wire bundle, preventing masking and compression damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the marker is located on the longitudinal flat surface of the connector at the rear relative to the operator, then the connector structure is simple, but the marker is obscured by the connector itself and/or by the bundle of wires

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector structureVSAvoidmarker visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The marker is repositioned from the rear longitudinal flat surface to the front transverse surface of the connector, changing its spatial dimension and orientation. This dimensional relocation ensures the marker is no longer obscured by the connector body or wire bundles, solving the visibility problem while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the wires are secured tightly to the connector, then wire management is effective, but the marker may be compressed or damaged by external pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire managementVSAvoidmarker integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A protective cavity structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the marker and the external environment. This cavity provides a protective space that shields the marker from compression damage by wire bundles or other objects, while still allowing effective wire management through the connector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If the marker is placed on the front transverse surface of the connector, then the marker remains visible and is not obscured, but the marker becomes vulnerable to compression from external objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarker visibilityVSAvoidcompression damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cavity is designed in advance to provide cushioning and protection for the marker before any compression damage can occur. This pre-protective structure absorbs or distributes external forces, preventing direct compression of the marker while maintaining its visibility on the front transverse surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3389141B1Mechanical device for holding a bundle of conductive wires

Publication Date: 2021.10.13 TYCO ELECTRONICS SERVICES GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2~3b
Figure 4

AI summary

Mechanical retaining device (1) for a bundle of conductive wires (8) intended to be connected to a connector (9), comprising: - a first face (2) and a second face (3) opposite the first, - a first fixing portion (4) arranged to retain the bundle of conductive wires against the first face, - a second fixing portion (5) on the second face, arranged to fix a marker (7), - a third fixing portion (6) arranged to fix the connector (9) against the first face.