Compact Dual Feeder Connector Housing for Easier MCC Wire Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The compact dual feeder system in motor control centers (MCCs) is difficult to connect to customer wires due to the compact space, for example, only 6 inches of height.
Innovation Solution
A connection system with slip tubes and a single piece connector that facilitate easier access and secure connections in the compact space, using materials like polylactic acid (PLA) and molded glass reinforced, black polyphenylene oxide, with features like lug alignment components and key points for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If compact dual feeder system is used to save space, then space utilization is improved, but wire connection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple functional components: slip tubes for cable passage, lug alignment components for precise positioning, and key points for stability. This segmentation allows each component to address specific connection challenges in the compact space, enabling efficient wire connection despite the reduced overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
Slip tubes serve as intermediary elements that facilitate cable passage through the compact housing. These tubes provide a guided pathway for wires, making the connection process easier by mediating between the external cable and the internal connection points within the confined space.
2Area of stationary object
If compact dual feeder system is used to save space, then space utilization is improved, but connection security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Lug alignment components perform preliminary positioning of connection lugs before final connection is made. This preliminary action ensures that lugs are correctly aligned and seated in the compact space, preventing misalignment issues and ensuring secure connections are achieved reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The key points on the housing automatically engage with corresponding features on the motor control units, providing self-aligning and self-securing functionality. This self-service mechanism ensures stable connections without requiring additional fastening operations, maintaining connection security in the compact design.
3Productivity
If compact dual feeder system is used to increase feeder density, then productivity is improved, but accessibility for verification decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system utilizes multiple spatial dimensions within the compact housing, with slip tubes extending in different directions and key points positioned at various locations. This dimensional arrangement allows high feeder density while maintaining accessibility, as connection points are distributed across different spatial planes rather than crowded in a single area.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection system for use with a motor control unit is provided. The connection system includes one or more physical channels for passage of wires or cables that connect one or more motor control units to a common bus that distributes electrical power to the one or more motor control units. The one or more channels include a plurality of channels; the plurality of channels are provided in a single housing; and the plurality of channels are molded into the single housing such that the connection system is one contiguous piece. Related connectors are also provided.