Feed-Through Connector Mounting for Thin Panels and Anti-Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing feed through connectors are large, require significant space, and can damage thin panels during installation, while lacking anti-rotation features.

Innovation Solution

A compact electrical connector with a conductive sheath, mounting flange, and recessed nut system that uses posts and co-radial grooves to secure the connection without damaging panels, allowing for stable, anti-rotation installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large clamp plate with threaded fasteners is used to secure the connector, then the connection is stable and resistant to movement, but the device requires substantial space and can deform or damage thin panels during installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidfootprint area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate functional components: a mounting flange for panel attachment, a recessed nut for threaded connection, and a central connector for electrical connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the overall footprint while maintaining connection stability through the distributed mounting flange structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The recessed nut is positioned within the mounting flange structure, with posts extending through the panel and engaging with the recessed nut. This nested arrangement allows the threading and securing functions to be integrated within a compact volume, eliminating the need for a large external clamp plate while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If threaded fasteners are used to secure the connector to the panel, then the connection is stable, but significant force can deform or damage thin materials such as electrical panels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidpanel damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting flange is designed with a larger surface area that distributes the clamping force across a wider area of the panel before the threaded connection is fully tightened. This pre-distribution of force prevents concentrated stress points that could deform or damage thin panels, while still achieving secure attachment through the recessed nut and post mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Area of stationary object

If a compact design is used to reduce footprint, then space is saved, but anti-rotation features may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefootprint areaVSAvoidanti-rotation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The recessed nut includes an asymmetric feature such as a slot or keyway that engages with a corresponding protrusion on the central connector. This asymmetric configuration provides effective anti-rotation capability within the compact recessed nut structure, preventing rotational movement without requiring additional external components that would increase the footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS12431639B2Electrical feed through connector

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 ROCAL CORP

AI summary

Apparatus for resilient electrical and mechanical connection is disclosed where a mount is configured with a central connector and at least one post. The central connector is configured to pass through an opening in a surface and engage threaded connection with a recessed nut. One or more posts are configured to pass through additional openings in the surface and engage a co-radial groove in the recessed nut that allows for tightening of the recessed nut to the mount on opposite sides of the surface while receiving the one or more posts.