Control Box Cable Strain Relief Using Transverse Clamping Guide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strain relief arrangements for mains cables in control boxes are complex and difficult to handle, requiring laborious cable insertion and removal, and do not provide effective prevention against cable pull-out.
Innovation Solution
A channel-like mains cable clamping guide is integrated into the control box housing, arranged transversely below the mains plug, with clamping lugs that securely hold the mains cable in place, allowing for easy installation and reversal without significant modification to the control box housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable strain relief arrangements (clips, guides) are used in control box housings, then cable pull-out prevention is achieved, but the configuration becomes complex and difficult to handle with laborious cable insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cable strain relief function with the existing mains plug and housing structure. The mains plug itself serves as the clamping element, and the housing wall integrates the strain relief function, eliminating the need for separate clips or guides. This merging approach prevents cable pull-out while maintaining simple configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mains plug is given a dual function: electrical connection and mechanical cable retention. The housing wall structure serves both as the mounting surface for the plug and as the strain relief mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated cable retention components, simplifying the overall device.
2Reliability
If traditional cable strain relief arrangements are used, then cable securing is achieved, but cable insertion and removal becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cable retention function is segmented into discrete, simple features of the existing structure (the mains plug body and housing wall), rather than requiring a complex integrated mechanism. This segmentation allows for easy cable insertion and removal while maintaining secure cable holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The mains plug and housing structure automatically provide cable retention through their inherent geometry and arrangement, without requiring additional active components or complex mechanisms. The cable is retained by the natural configuration of the plug and housing, enabling simple insertion and removal.
3Reliability
If complex cable strain relief arrangements are implemented, then cable retention is improved, but manufacturing and modification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable retention function is merged into the existing mains plug and housing structure, which are already manufactured as integral parts. No additional components or complex manufacturing steps are required, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving reliable cable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing housing and plug structures serve multiple functions including electrical connection, mechanical support, and cable retention. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cable retention components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
Control box, in particular for adjustable items of furniture, such as vertically adjustable tables for example, comprising: a control box housing and a mains plug in a wall of the control box housing, wherein the control box housing has a strain relief device for a mains cable with a main cable socket for connection to the mains plug, characterized in that the strain relief device has an, in particular channel-like, mains cable clamping guide which is arranged upstream of the mains plug in the insertion direction of the mains cable socket and so as to run transversely to the insertion direction in the control box housing and therefore below the mains plug such that the mains cable socket, when it is inserted into the mains plug, at least partially closes the mains cable clamping guide on the top side in such a way that the associated mains cable does not move out of the mains cable clamping guide.