Contact Element for Steel Reinforced Cable Glands
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting steel-reinforced cables to cable glands and bushings are labor-intensive and require complex assembly processes, involving multiple steps and components.
Innovation Solution
A contact element comprising multiple ring elements connected to rigid conductor tracks with kinks and stress-absorbing areas, allowing for easy assembly and positioning within cable glands or bushings, with the ring elements maintaining fixed geometric positions relative to each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional separate contact elements and screw connections are used for steel-reinforced cables, then electrical connection can be achieved, but assembly preparation and installation time are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (contact elements, conductor tracks, and positioning features) into a single integrated contact element. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps, reducing installation time while maintaining reliable electrical connection between the steel reinforcement and cable gland.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element is pre-configured with conductor tracks and positioning features during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the element to be directly installed without requiring on-site assembly or adjustment, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring proper electrical connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate contact elements are used to accommodate different cable positions, then electrical connection coverage is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is divided into multiple functional segments including separate contact elements for different cable positions, conductor tracks for signal transmission, and positioning features. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while being integrated into a single manufacturable component, providing comprehensive coverage without increasing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated contact element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection for multiple cable positions, guides conductor placement through embedded tracks, and ensures proper positioning through integrated features. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid conductor tracks are used to maintain geometric positions, then positioning precision is improved, but mechanical stress resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor tracks are designed with varying local properties: rigid sections where precise geometric positioning is required, and flexible or stress-absorbing sections where mechanical flexibility is needed. This local differentiation allows the structure to maintain positioning precision in critical areas while resisting mechanical stress in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor tracks incorporate flexible sections that can dynamically adapt to mechanical stresses during cable installation and usage. These dynamic sections bend or deform to accommodate stress while the rigid portions maintain their geometric precision, allowing the structure to respond to varying mechanical conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a contact element (1) for electrically contacting a steel reinforcement in cable glands for steel-armored cables, comprising a metallic ring element (2) which is connected to a conductor track (3), characterized in that the conductor track (3) is electrically connected to at least one further conductor track and via this to a further metallic ring element (2), wherein the electrically connected ring elements are arranged relative to each other in predetermined geometric positions by the conductor tracks.