Grounding Connector Assembly for Expandable Multi-Conductor Crimping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grounding connectors face difficulties in securely connecting multiple conductors to a grounding body and do not allow for easy expansion of grounding systems, making it challenging to add additional conductors without removing or replacing existing connectors.
Innovation Solution
The proposed connector system includes a base, plug, and grounding rod, with lay-in slots and crimping areas that secure conductors through mechanical engagement, allowing for easy expansion by hammering the plug and cap into place, forming a robust and customizable electrical grounding connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional grounding connectors are used to secure conductors to a grounding body, then a mechanically secured electrical grounding connection is provided, but the system does not allow for easy expansion and requires removal or replacement of existing connectors to add additional conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding connector is divided into separate modular components: a base body that remains fixed to the grounding rod, and removable plugs that can be added or removed independently. Each plug can secure one or more conductors, allowing the system to be expanded by simply adding new plugs without affecting existing connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The base body with its bore and crimping area is designed to accommodate multiple different plugs, each capable of securing different types and numbers of conductors. This universal interface allows a single base to support various grounding configurations, enhancing system versatility while maintaining a simple fixed structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conductors are secured to a grounding body using conventional connectors, then electrical grounding connections are provided, but the connectors cannot be easily modified or expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The base body is pre-configured with a bore and crimping area designed to receive and securely fasten plugs. This preliminary preparation ensures that when plugs are added to expand the system, they will automatically engage with pre-positioned structural features that guarantee reliable mechanical security without requiring additional fastening steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is inserted into the bore of the base body, with the conductor nested between the plug and the base. The crimping area provides a nested configuration where the conductor is compressed and secured within the layered structure of plug-conductor-base, ensuring reliable mechanical retention while allowing easy addition of new nested units.
3Ease of operation
If a robust grounding connection is formed through mechanical engagement, then reliable electrical grounding is achieved, but the system lacks ease of installation and expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The plug and base body are designed with self-aligning features where the plug automatically positions itself within the bore during insertion. The crimping area provides self-contained mechanical engagement that secures the conductor without requiring external fastening tools or complex assembly procedures, enabling easy installation while maintaining strong mechanical bonds.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug combines multiple functions in a single component: it provides mechanical engagement with the base body through the bore interface, secures the conductor through friction and geometric interlocking, and creates an electrical connection path. This merging of functions into one easily installable component achieves both ease of operation and strong mechanical engagement.
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 system provides a secure and expandable electrical grounding solution that can easily integrate multiple conductors, ensuring reliable mechanical and electrical connections while allowing for flexible configuration and expansion of existing grounding systems.
Implementation Method 1
the plug aligned with the conductor along the base axis to deform the conductor in the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
The crimping area can include an axially extending conical surface extending axially at an inner end of the base bore
Implementation Method 3
provide a mechanically secured electrical grounding connection
Data Source
AI summary
A connector system to provide electrical connections can include a base and a plug. The base can include a base body, a base bore that can extend axially into the base body along a base axis, a lay-in slot that can open at a sidewall of the base body, and a base conductor channel that can be formed by the lay-in slot and intersects the base bore. The plug can have a first end that can be sized to be received in the base bore. The base conductor channel can receive a longitudinal portion of a conductor into the lay-in slot so that the conductor extends through the base conductor channel to intersect the base bore. In an assembled configuration, the first end of the plug can extend into the base bore, aligned with the conductor along the base axis to deform the conductor in the axial direction.