Duplex Electrical Connector Open Transition Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional duplex electrical fittings face difficulties in allowing easy passage of electrical cables and conductors due to constrictions and offset bores, leading to cable jamming and increased insertion force.
Innovation Solution
A snap-engagement duplex fitting with an open transition area, lens-shaped cable passages, and a funnel surface on the collar for easy conductor redirection, along with a one-piece connector body and cable engaging clips for secure attachment, eliminating constrictions and providing a straightforward path for cable advancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a constriction is added at the transition area to stop cable advancement, then cable positioning is improved, but conductor passage becomes difficult and cables may jam
Solution Approach 1:
The transition area is segmented into multiple functional zones: an open transition area for easy conductor passage, a collar with funnel surface for redirection, and a cable stop mechanism. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without interfering with others, resolving the contradiction between stopping cables and allowing conductor passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar acts as an intermediary element between the transition area and the outlet bore. Its funnel surface provides a gradual redirection path for conductors, mediating between the need to stop cable advancement and the need to guide conductors through the outlet bore without jamming.
2Shape
If the outlet bore is offset from the inlet bores to improve connection geometry, then structural design is improved, but conductor travel through the transition area becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel surface on the collar provides a curved, gradual transition path for conductors moving from the offset inlet bores to the outlet bore. This curved surface guides conductors smoothly through the offset geometry without requiring sharp directional changes, maintaining ease of conductor travel despite the offset bore arrangement.
3Reliability
If the transition area is constricted to stop forward travel of cables, then cable insertion control is improved, but insertion force increases and cables may jam
Solution Approach 1:
The cable stop mechanism is localized to a specific position within the outlet bore, while the transition area maintains its open, unconstricted geometry. This local placement of the stopping function allows cable insertion control without increasing insertion force or risking cable jamming in the transition area.
Data Source
AI summary
A snap-engagement duplex electrical fitting with an open transition area to accommodate easier insertion of electrical cables and pass-through of conductors. The duplex fitting includes a one-piece connector body having a pair of inlet bores, a single outlet bore and an open transition area. A dividing wall separates the inlet bores. Two cable engaging clips are secured to the connector body, one adjacent each of the inlet bores, for engaging and securing an electrical cable in each of the inlet bores. Two lens-shaped cable passages through the fitting provide a wide path for easy pass-through of conductors through the fitting. A collar stops the forward travel of the inserted cables prior to entering the outlet bore. A funnel surface on the collar enables easy advancement of conductors through the transition by providing a slight redirection of conductors toward the axial center of the outlet bore.