Electrical Fitting Single Cable Retainer Tang
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical fittings for connecting cables to panels are mechanically complex and expensive to produce, with prior art connectors using multiple tangs for cable gripping, which complicates manufacturing and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
An electrical fitting with a simplified construction featuring a single, wider cable retaining tang made of spring steel, notched at the juncture with the ring to enhance flexibility and ease of cable insertion, providing a straight bend line for easier installation and improved strain relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cable gripping tangs are used in prior art connectors, then cable gripping function is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cable gripping tangs into a single integrated tang structure. The single tang is designed with a broader width and specific geometry to perform the cable gripping function that previously required multiple separate tangs, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the gripping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the tang structure by increasing its width and modifying its geometry. The single tang is made wider than individual tangs in prior art connectors, and its dimensional parameters are optimized to provide adequate cable gripping capability without requiring multiple tangs.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single wide cable retaining tang is used, then manufacturing cost decreases and structure is simplified, but cable insertion difficulty increases due to reduced flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a notch at a specific location on the single cable retaining tang. This notch creates a localized region of reduced material that increases flexibility where needed, while the rest of the tang maintains its broader width for manufacturing simplicity and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single cable retaining tang by introducing a notch that divides the tang into distinct regions. This segmentation allows different portions of the tang to have different mechanical properties - the notched region provides flexibility for cable insertion, while the broader unnotched regions maintain structural strength and manufacturing simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single wide cable retaining tang is used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but strain relief performance may be compromised compared to multiple tangs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimensional parameters of the single cable retaining tang, specifically increasing its width compared to individual tangs in prior art connectors. This parameter change allows the single tang to provide adequate strain relief performance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and reducing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the strain relief function previously distributed across multiple tangs into a single integrated tang structure. The broader width of the single tang compensates for the loss of multiple tangs, providing sufficient strain relief performance through consolidated structural design.
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 reduces manufacturing costs, enhances cable gripping security, and facilitates easier cable insertion while maintaining effective strain relief properties, making the electrical fitting more economical and efficient to produce and use.
Implementation Method 1
The cable retainer includes a substantially tubular body constructed of spring steel
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical fitting with an improved arrangement on the trailing end for the quick connection of electrical cables. The fitting includes a connector body with a cavity in the trailing end and a cable retainer secured therein. The tubular cable retainer is constructed of spring steel and includes a flat portion and an arcuate portion. A single cable-retaining tang extends inwardly from the flat portion and includes notched edges at its juncture with the tubular body, thereby enhancing the resiliency of the tang. A wide cable-gripping surface on the cable-retaining tang enables secure gripping of an electrical cable as it is inserted within the trailing end of the fitting. End legs on the cable-retaining tang are at an angle with respect to the edge of the cable retainer thereby orienting the end legs with the grooves on an armored or similar electrical cable.