Crimp Band Restraint for Wire Insulation Shrink Back
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insulated wires in photovoltaic applications experience shrink back due to ambient temperature variations, leading to exposure of the current-carrying conductor, which can be dangerous and detrimental to the operation of the PV system.
Innovation Solution
An anti-shrink back device that mechanically tightens around the insulation of insulated conductors using crimping or clamps to inhibit or prevent insulation from moving from its original location, securing it longitudinally relative to the electrical conductor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If insulated wire is subjected to wide ambient temperature ranges, then the wire experiences shrink back of insulation, but the current-carrying conductor becomes exposed which is dangerous and detrimental to PV system operation
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-shrink back device is installed on the insulation before the shrink back occurs, mechanically securing it in place. This preliminary action prevents the insulation from moving longitudinally when temperature changes cause shrink back, thereby maintaining conductor coverage and system reliability across wide temperature ranges.
2Ease of operation
If the insulation is stripped at ends or intermediate locations to make electrical connections, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the insulation end becomes vulnerable to shrink back movement
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-shrink back device acts as an intermediary element installed at the stripped end of the insulation. It mechanically engages with the insulation to prevent longitudinal movement, thereby protecting the exposed conductor end while allowing electrical connections to be made at intermediate locations without compromising insulation stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If wire manufacturing processes are optimized for ease of installation, then installation efficiency improves, but the degree of shrink back experienced by the insulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shrink back prevention function is extracted from the wire manufacturing process itself and implemented as a separate, post-installation anti-shrink back device. This allows wire manufacturing to focus on installation efficiency while the dedicated device addresses shrink back control, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and shrink back precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents or reduces the likelihood of insulation shrinkage, ensuring the insulation remains in place and protecting the conductors from exposure, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of PV systems.
Implementation Method 1
The anti-shrink back device includes a band crimpable at least partially around the insulation at the end of the insulation adjacent to the uninsulated segment to secure or inhibit movement of the end of the insulation longitudinally relative to the electrical conductor
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, an anti-shrink back device is positionable at least partially around insulation of an electrical conductor at an end of the insulation adjacent to an uninsulated segment of the electrical conductor. The anti-shrink back device includes a band mechanically tightenable at least partially around the insulation at the end of the insulation adjacent to the uninsulated segment to secure or inhibit movement of the end of the insulation longitudinally relative to the electrical conductor.