Ground Wire Connector With Integral Ears And Locking Nut

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grounding connectors for load centers and metal conduits face challenges such as limited accessibility for ground wire connections, potential interference with adjacent components, and costly manufacturing methods, which can lead to improper installation and compromised electrical continuity.

Innovation Solution

A ground connector design featuring a bushing with radially extending ears defining ground wire receiving cavities and a locking nut with beveled teeth for secure engagement with the enclosure, allowing flexible orientation and reduced component count, manufactured through stamping for cost-effectiveness and ease of assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional grounding connector with limited connection points is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited accessibility for ground wire connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for ground wire connectionsVSAvoidnumber of connection points

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding connector is segmented into multiple discrete connection points (at least two separate locations) on the bushing body, allowing the ground wire to be attached at different positions. This segmentation enables installers to choose the most accessible connection point without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection points are distributed in three-dimensional space around the bushing circumference and along its length, utilizing spatial distribution to provide multiple accessible angles and positions for ground wire attachment, thereby improving accessibility without adding planar complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the bushing is loosened to align connection points, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability deteriorates as the connector may not be properly secured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment of connection pointsVSAvoidsecurement of connector

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bushing is designed with pre-positioned connection points that are accessible at multiple locations before installation. This preliminary configuration of connection points eliminates the need to loosen or realign the bushing after installation, allowing installers to simply select the most accessible pre-positioned point for ground wire attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The design provides multiple static connection points distributed around the bushing, allowing the installer to dynamically select the optimal connection point based on accessibility requirements without requiring the bushing itself to be moved or realigned during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate clips or lugs are used for ground wire attachment, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveground wire attachment optionsVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding connector integrates the ground wire attachment function directly into the bushing structure itself, merging the connection point functionality with the existing bushing body. This eliminates the need for separate clips or lugs, providing adaptability for ground wire attachment while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bushing is designed to serve multiple functions: providing mechanical support for the conduit, establishing electrical grounding through direct contact with the enclosure, and offering multiple integrated connection points for ground wire attachment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If casting is used for manufacturing the connector, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to cost and time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector geometryVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The design employs standard threaded parameters and conventional geometric features that can be efficiently produced through stamping or forming processes rather than casting. By changing the manufacturing approach to use parameter-standardized features, the connector achieves sufficient precision while dramatically reducing manufacturing cost and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7281932B2Ground wire connector

Publication Date: 2007.10.16 THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

This invention pertains to a ground connector for grounding a conduit to an enclosure. The ground connector includes a plurality of integral ears extending from an outer wall of the connector with these ears configured to receive a ground wire therein. A locking nut portion, when engaged with the connector, urges the ground wire against the ears to thereby mechanically and electrically secure the ground wire to the ground connector. The connector is further configured with a plurality of locking teeth that engage the enclosure to thereby at least mechanically (and preferably electrically) secure the connector to the enclosure.