Electrical Box Cable Connector With Flexible Cable Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable clamps for electrical boxes face challenges in securely retaining armored and non-metallic sheathed cables, as they either provide too much resistance for forward advancement or not enough resistance for rearward prevention, and often require different designs for different types of cabling.
Innovation Solution
An electrical cable connector with a flexible retaining member that extends into a cavity, allowing easy forward insertion while providing sufficient resistance to prevent rearward withdrawal, and a connector housing with specific openings for cable and wire passage, accommodating various cable diameters and types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cable clamps are used to secure electrical cables, then cable retention is achieved, but the clamps either provide too much resistance for forward advancement or not enough resistance for rearward prevention
Solution Approach 1:
The cable retaining member is designed as a resilient (flexible) component that can dynamically adjust its position. During cable insertion, it flexes to accommodate forward movement with minimal resistance. Once the cable is in place, it exerts sufficient resilient force to prevent rearward withdrawal, thus providing differential resistance based on the direction and stage of cable movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient cable retaining member changes its mechanical parameters (flexibility and force application) based on the operational state. It transitions from a high-flexibility state during insertion to a higher-force state during retention, effectively changing the resistance parameter to match the required function at each stage.
2Reliability
If conventional cable clamps are designed for specific cable types, then secure retention for that type is achieved, but different designs are required for different cable types
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connector is designed with a universal connector housing and resilient retaining member that can accommodate multiple cable types (armored and non-metallic sheathed) and various cable diameters. The resilient nature of the retaining member allows it to adapt its gripping force and configuration to different cable characteristics, eliminating the need for separate clamp designs for different cable types.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient cable retaining member has localized flexibility that allows it to conform to different cable shapes and sizes while maintaining effective retention. The local quality of resilience enables the same component to effectively engage with various cable types without requiring global redesign.
3Reliability
If conventional cable clamps are used, then cable securing is achieved, but the clamps require different designs for armored and non-metallic sheathed cabling
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing with the resilient cable retaining member serves as a universal solution that can securely retain both armored and non-metallic sheathed cables. This single design replaces multiple specialized clamp designs, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable cable securing for different cable types.
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 solution ensures secure retention of electrical cables with minimal resistance during insertion and sufficient resistance to prevent withdrawal, accommodating different cable types and sizes, enhancing cable management in electrical boxes.
Implementation Method 1
the cable retaining member is able to flex while an electrical cable passes into the cavity imparting little resistance to the forward advancement of the cable, while imparting sufficient resistance to rearward movement of the cable
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical box assembly and cable connector are provided. The cable connector includes a connector housing and a cable retaining member that releasably secures an electrical cable within the connector housing. The electrical box assembly includes an electrical box and a cable connector. The electrical box assembly may also include a box separator.