Elastic Contact Member for Cable Deformation in Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for electric cables in underground low-voltage distribution networks face challenges in maintaining high-quality electrical continuity due to cable deformation over time, caused by rearrangement of conductive core strands and insulating sheath creep, which affects the integrity of the electrical connection.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring conductive contact members with a convexly curved rear face and attachment members that flex elastically to maintain contact with the cable's conductive core, even as the cable deforms, ensuring consistent electrical connection through a mechanism where the contact member's rear face bears against the connector's internal surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid contact member is used to maintain electrical contact, then the initial electrical connection is established, but the contact quality deteriorates when the cable deforms over time
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member is designed with elastic flexibility to dynamically adapt its position and shape in response to cable deformation over time, maintaining continuous electrical contact through controlled elastic deformation rather than rigid fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The contact member's physical parameters (shape, position) are allowed to change within elastic limits in response to cable deformation, enabling it to maintain electrical contact despite changes in cable geometry due to strand rearrangement and sheath creep
2Reliability
If the contact member is made flexible to accommodate cable deformation, then electrical continuity is maintained, but the mechanical strength and stability of the connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member exhibits different mechanical properties in different regions: it is flexible in areas that need to accommodate cable deformation while maintaining sufficient local strength to ensure reliable electrical contact and mechanical connection
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple contact member design is used, then manufacturing is easier and cost is reduced, but the ability to maintain contact quality under cable deformation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member incorporates elastic flexibility that allows it to dynamically respond to cable deformation, maintaining electrical continuity without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple components
Solution Approach 2:
The contact member's geometric parameters are designed to change within elastic limits in response to cable deformation, enabling automatic adaptation to maintain contact quality while keeping the design relatively simple
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 connector provides high-quality electrical continuity and mechanical stability, maintaining contact quality despite cable deformation, making it suitable for multi-strand conductive core cables with insulating sheaths that tend to compress over time.
Implementation Method 1
is configured to flex elastically between said attachment members when, by screwing said rod, said cable end is pushed towards said row of teeth
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~9
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The connector has contact element (12) including a rear face (67) on a side opposed to a line of teeth. The rear face is curved convex and placed compared to an internal surface (66) of a body (11) that is curved concave. The contact element is hung to the body by two fixing legs (54) with the line of teeth. The contact element elastically bends between the fixing legs when an end of an electrical cable (23) is pushed towards the line of teeth by screwing a threaded rod (14) with the rear face, which approaches and comes in support against the internal surface of the body.