Electrical Contact Cutting Edge Geometry for Reduced Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical contacts require excessive force and a longer cutting path to cut through the insulation of electrical cables, making the process uncomfortable and inefficient for users.
Innovation Solution
The electrical contact features a base with cutting and connection elements that have an initial cutting edge closer to the base than the connection portion, allowing for increased force at the start of cutting and reducing force as the cut progresses, along with elastic arms to adapt to user force and absorb vibrations, and a design that optimizes the cutting path with oblique or perpendicular cutting planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional electrical contacts with constant or increasing cutting force are used, then the cable can be held and connected, but the cutting path becomes excessively long and the user must apply large force throughout the entire cutting path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the cutting force parameter from constant or increasing to decreasing along the cutting path. The cutting element is designed with a specific geometry where the cutting edge is positioned closer to the base than the cutting and connection portion, creating a mechanical advantage that automatically reduces cutting force as the cable progresses through the cutting path. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by making the operation easier while shortening the cutting path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the cutting element through elastic arms that can deflect and adapt to the cutting force. This dynamic design allows the cutting element to respond to varying forces during the cutting process, optimizing the cutting path length and force requirements. The elastic arms provide flexibility that accommodates the decreasing force profile throughout the cutting operation.
2Ease of operation
If conventional electrical contacts with constant or increasing cutting force are used, then the cable can be held and connected, but the user has to apply large force during the entire cutting path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the force parameter profile from constant or increasing to decreasing along the cutting path. By positioning the cutting edge closer to the base than the cutting and connection portion, the geometry creates a mechanical advantage that reduces the force required as cutting progresses. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation while significantly reducing the force the user must apply.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms provide dynamic adaptation to cutting force requirements. These arms can deflect under load and return to their original position, creating a spring-like effect that reduces the peak force required during cutting. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to accommodate varying force requirements throughout the cutting path, making operation easier while reducing overall force demands.
3Length of moving object
If the cutting edge is positioned farther from the base, then the cutting path might be shorter, but the cutting force would increase and connection stability would decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the cutting element to achieve the ideal balance. The cutting edge is positioned at a specific distance from the base that is closer than the cutting and connection portion, creating an optimal mechanical advantage. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by achieving acceptable cutting path length while maintaining reduced cutting force and ensuring connection stability through proper force distribution.
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
This design reduces the cutting path length and force required, making the process more comfortable and efficient, while maintaining connection stability and absorbing external vibrations without altering pressure on the conductor nucleus.
Implementation Method 1
the or each cutting and connection element comprises an arm and a cutting edge... which, can advantageously be elastic owing to the material used in the construction thereof or owing to the design of the same such that the or each cutting and connection element can be moved slightly to be adapted to the cutting force exerted by the user
Implementation Method 2
the or each cutting and connection element can be moved slightly to be adapted to the cutting force exerted by the user or to avoid disconnections due to external agents such as vibrations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The electrical contact for electrical cables comprises a base (1) and at least one cutting and connection element (2), the or each cutting and connection element (2) defining an initial cutting edge (3) and a cutting and connection portion (4) and is characterized in that said initial cutting edge (3) is closer to the base (1) than said cutting and connection portion (4).