Dual Tabbed Wire Trap Connector for Photoelectric Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connectors for outdoor lighting devices, such as those used in street lamps, are cumbersome to assemble due to the need for crimping wires and require separate parts like steel spring clips, and do not allow for easy orientation adjustments during installation.
Innovation Solution
A dual-tabbed wire trap connector design that eliminates the need for crimping wires and includes an integral retention system for secure wire retention and adjustable orientation, using angled wire retention tabs to clamp wires in place and flexible fins for easy positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wires are crimped into the wire retention portion prior to final assembly, then wire retention is secure, but assembly becomes more cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The wire trap structure is pre-formed with retention tabs and guide features during manufacturing, so that wires can be simply inserted and automatically retained without requiring preliminary crimping operations. The retention tabs are pre-positioned to engage wires upon insertion, eliminating the need for separate crimping steps while maintaining secure retention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate parts are used including steel spring clips, then connector functionality is complete, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire trap structure integrates multiple functions into a single component: the connector body, wire retention tabs, and positioning features are combined into one molded piece. The retention tabs are formed as integral parts of the connector body, eliminating the need for separate spring clips or additional retaining components while maintaining all necessary connector functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing electrical connection, retaining wires through integrated tabs, positioning the connector during installation, and allowing for adjustment. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If photoelectric cells are fixed in position, then structural stability is maintained, but orientation adjustments at installation site become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates flexible retention tabs that can deflect during installation to accommodate position adjustments, then maintain stable retention once positioned. The wire trap structure allows for controlled movement during the adjustment phase while providing stable retention in the final installed position, enabling both adjustability and structural stability.
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 dual-tabbed wire trap connector allows for easier assembly and adjustment of photoelectric cells, reducing installation time and complexity while eliminating the need for separate retaining devices, enabling secure wire retention without crimping and facilitating orientation adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The first wire retention tab and the second wire retention tab are biased toward one another at an angle to form a wire guide, the wire guide configured to contact and receive a wire inserted into the wire trap and wherein the first and second wire retention tabs are configured to impart a clamping force to retain the wire
Data Source
AI summary
A connector having a contact including a dual-tabbed wire trap is disclosed. The wire trap includes a first wire retention tab and a second wire retention tab, wherein the wire retention tabs are biased toward one another at an angle to form a wire guide. The wire guide is configured to contact and receive a wire inserted into the wire trap. When the wire is inserted, the first and second wire retention tabs impart a clamping force to retain the wire in the wire trap and prevent its removal. According to one embodiment, the connector is a photoelectric connector for attaching a street lamp or other electrical device to a photoelectric cell.