Deformable Jaw Claw for Universal Cable Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connection systems face logistical and cost challenges due to the need for variously shaped jaws to accommodate cables of different diameters and grooves, leading to complex clamping issues and reduced cable lifespan from 'hard points' formed during pantograph passage.
Innovation Solution
A universal connection claw with deformable receiving cavities and identical jaws that adapt to cable diameters through plastic deformation, ensuring uniform tightening and reduced mass, allowing connection of cables of different types without specialized claws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If variously shaped jaws are used to accommodate cables of different diameters and grooves, then adaptability to different cable types is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs identical jaws for both grooved and non-grooved cables, making each jaw universal. The jaw includes a reception cavity that can accommodate different cable types through deformation, eliminating the need for specialized jaws for different cable configurations. This universal design reduces device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reception cavity of the jaw is designed to be deformable during tightening, allowing it to adapt dynamically to different cable types. The cavity deforms under clamping force to match the specific geometry of the cable being secured, whether grooved or non-grooved, enabling a single static jaw design to handle multiple cable configurations.
2Manufacturing precision
If variously shaped jaws are used to accommodate different cable types, then connection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing identical universal jaws that can accommodate different cable types through deformation rather than through specialized geometries, the manufacturing process is simplified. A single jaw design can be mass-produced with consistent precision, reducing tooling costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining accurate connection for various cable types.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid jaws are used to ensure stable connection, then connection stability is improved, but cable lifespan decreases due to hard points
Solution Approach 1:
The reception cavity is designed to deform under clamping force, transforming the rigid contact interface into a dynamic one. This deformation allows the jaw to conform to the cable geometry, distributing contact pressure more evenly and preventing the formation of concentrated stress points (hard points) that would otherwise damage the cable and reduce its lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the reception cavity from rigid to deformable under load. This parameter change allows the contact interface to adapt to different cable geometries and distribute stress more uniformly, maintaining connection stability while reducing harmful stress concentrations that would compromise cable integrity and lifespan.
4Ease of manufacture
If uniform clamping is applied to all cables, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but connection reliability decreases for different cable types
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable reception cavity enables a single uniform clamping force to produce different effective contact pressures for different cable types. The cavity deforms to match the cable geometry, automatically adapting the contact interface to ensure reliable connection regardless of cable type, while maintaining the simplicity of applying a uniform clamping force throughout the tightening process.
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
The universal connection claw enables efficient, uniform connection of cables of varying diameters and grooves, reducing manufacturing costs and extending cable lifespan by minimizing 'hard points' and ensuring secure, long-lasting connections.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reception cavity of a jaw is configured to deform during the tightening of said jaws around said cables
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7
AI summary
A connection claw (3) for at least two cables (C1, C2) comprising a first jaw (4), a second jaw (4') and at least one connecting rod (6), extending along an axis X1, adapted to clamp said jaws (4, 4') opposite each other around said cables (C1, C2), each jaw (4, 4') comprising at least two receiving recesses (41, 42, 41', 42') adapted to cooperate with said cables (C1, C2) and at least one through opening (43, 43'), extending along the axis X1, to allow passage of said connecting rod (6), at least one receiving recess (41, 42, 41', 42') of a jaw (4, 4') being configured to deform when said jaws (4, 4') are clamped around said cables (C1, C2).