Expandable Closure System for Line Splice Holders

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closure systems for line splice holders lack the ability to expand internally, necessitating the replacement of closures when additional space is needed, which is costly, time-consuming, and risks damage to existing connections.

Innovation Solution

A closure system comprising a first housing portion with a portal for line splice holders and a second actuatable housing portion that connects to the first to increase the interior volume, allowing for additional line splice holders without disturbing existing contents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If a new, larger closure is provided as a complete replacement, then the interior volume is increased, but the cost increases, time consumption increases, and risks of damage and disconnection occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterior volume of closureVSAvoidcomplexity of closure replacement process

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure is divided into a first housing portion and a second housing portion that can be separately assembled. The second housing portion can be added to the first housing portion to increase interior volume without replacing the entire closure, thereby avoiding the complexities and risks associated with complete replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure is designed with actuatable components that allow the second housing portion to be moved between positions, enabling dynamic adjustment of the interior volume. This allows the closure to adapt to different space requirements without requiring complete replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of stationary object

If a new, larger closure is provided as a complete replacement, then the interior volume is increased, but the time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterior volume of closureVSAvoidtime for closure replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The closure is divided into a first housing portion and a second housing portion that can be separately assembled. The second housing portion can be added to the first housing portion to increase interior volume without replacing the entire closure, thereby avoiding the time consumption associated with complete replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second housing portion is designed to be pre-configured and can be attached to the first housing portion in a straightforward manner, reducing the time required for expansion compared to complete replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of stationary object

If a new, larger closure is provided as a complete replacement, then the interior volume is increased, but risks of damage, disconnection and service disruption occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterior volume of closureVSAvoidrisk of damage and disconnection

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closure is divided into a first housing portion and a second housing portion that can be separately assembled. The second housing portion can be added to the first housing portion to increase interior volume without replacing the entire closure, thereby protecting existing contents and reducing risks of damage and disconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion capability is extracted as a separate second housing portion that can be added independently, leaving the first housing portion and its contents undisturbed, thus eliminating risks associated with complete replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the closure is designed to accommodate more splice holders initially, then future expansion capacity is available, but the initial size and cost of the closure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuture expansion capacityVSAvoidinitial closure size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The closure is divided into a first housing portion and an optional second housing portion. The second housing portion can be added only when expansion is needed, allowing the initial closure to be compact while maintaining future expansion capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure is designed with actuatable components that allow the second housing portion to be added or removed based on space requirements, enabling the closure to adapt its volume dynamically rather than being fixed at maximum size from the start.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20230136498A1Expandable closure system

Publication Date: 2023.05.04 PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS COMPANY

AI summary

A closure enclosing and protecting at least one line splice holder. The closure includes a first housing portion enclosing at least a portion of a hollow interior of the closure, the at least one line splice holder being located within the hollow interior. The first housing portion has a portal through which plural lines extend into the hollow interior. The closure includes a second housing portion actuatable with respect to the first housing portion to provide an additional portion of the hollow interior. The additional portion of the hollow interior is a volume to receive additional of the at least one line splice holder. The closure includes a coupling for connecting the second housing portion to the first housing portion.