Dual-Wedge Chuck Segments for Compact Cable Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical cable fittings with single wedge chucks face challenges in providing sufficient cable retention force while maintaining a compact length, often resulting in longer and more expensive designs that are difficult to mount in tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A dual wedge chuck design with multiple ring-shaped segments and a flexible band, where each segment has tapered surfaces that compress inwardly to secure the cable, combined with a gland nut and body configuration that applies compressive forces to reduce the overall length and enhance retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single wedge chuck design is used, then the structure is simpler, but the cable retention force is insufficient and the fitting length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck is divided into multiple segments (first wedge segment and second wedge segment) that can be independently compressed. Each segment has its own tapered surface that converts axial compression into radial inward force, allowing the cable to be gripped from multiple directions simultaneously. This segmentation enables increased retention force without proportionally increasing the overall fitting length.
Solution Approach 2:
The chuck combines different material properties by using a rigid structural framework with tapered surfaces for force transmission, and a compliant gripping surface that contacts the cable. This composite approach allows the rigid portions to maintain compact dimensions while the compliant portions provide sufficient gripping force through elastic deformation.
2Length of stationary object
If the fitting length is reduced for compact installation, then mounting in tight spaces is easier, but the cable retention force decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual wedge design transitions from a single-axial compression approach to a multi-dimensional force distribution system. The first and second wedge segments create force vectors from different directions, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space within the compact fitting length to generate sufficient cumulative retention force.
3Force
If a dual wedge chuck with multiple segments is used, then cable retention force increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple wedge segments are merged into a single integrated chuck component that functions as one unified element. The segments are structurally connected and move together during compression, eliminating the need for separate assembly of multiple independent parts. This merging maintains high retention force while reducing manufacturing complexity and assembly steps.
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 wedge chuck design achieves increased cable retention force with reduced fitting length, improved strain performance across a wide temperature range, and meets environmental protection standards, such as weatherproof sealing, while being more cost-effective and easier to install.
Implementation Method 1
a chuck for a cable fitting includes multiple segments substantially forming a ring shape. Each segment of the multiple segments includes a first tapered surface, on a distal end, that slopes from the distal end away from a central axis of the ring, and a second tapered surface, on a proximal end, that slopes from the proximal end away from the central axis
Data Source
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AI summary
A chuck for a cable fitting includes multiple segments substantially forming a ring shape. Each segment of the multiple segments includes a first tapered surface on a distal end, wherein the first tapered surface slopes from the distal end away from a central axis of the ring, and a second tapered surface on a proximal end, wherein the second tapered surface slopes from the proximal end away from the central axis. The chuck also includes a flexible band to hold the multiple segments in the ring shape. Each segment of the multiple segments is configured to receive compressive forces on the first tapered surface and the second tapered surface to force each segment of the multiple segments inwardly toward the central axis. The multiple segments are configured to engage a cable to secure the cable within the ring shape.