High Voltage Connector With Nested Inner Keeper
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bolted connectors for high voltage applications are bulky, expensive, and difficult to install due to their large size and material usage, which is exacerbated by the requirement for multiple tightening bolts and conductive materials like aluminum or copper alloys.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a connector body with a cover part and an inner keeper, where the outer keepers symmetrically cover the inner keeper to provide three fixations of the conductor, reducing the connector's length and material usage while maintaining electrical contact through a U-bolt and strap configuration, allowing for easier installation and reduced material costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bolted connectors use multiple keepers and tightening bolts to ensure reliable electrical contact, then the connector achieves required mechanical strength and electrical conductivity, but the connector becomes bulky, heavy, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the inner keeper inside the connector body, which is then covered by the cover part. This nested arrangement allows three fixation points to be achieved within a compact structure, reducing the overall connector volume and weight while maintaining the required mechanical strength and electrical contact reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functional elements into a unified connector structure where the body part, cover part, inner keeper, and outer keepers work together as an integrated system. This combination achieves three fixation points with reduced material usage compared to conventional separate keeper designs
2Reliability
If conventional bolted connectors use extensive conductive materials like aluminum or copper alloys to ensure good electrical contact, then the connector achieves required electrical conductivity, but the connector becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating conductive material only at the three specific fixation points where contact with the conductor is required, rather than using extensive conductive materials throughout the entire connector structure. This localized approach maintains electrical conductivity while significantly reducing material quantity and cost
3Strength
If conventional bolted connectors are designed with multiple tightening bolts to meet safety requirements, then the connector achieves required mechanical tightening strength, but the connector becomes difficult to handle and install
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement of the inner keeper within the connector body and covered by the cover part creates a compact structure that is easier to handle and install while still providing three fixation points with six tightening bolts to meet safety and performance requirements
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector for connecting a conductor with three fixations and particularly suitable for medium and high voltage applications. The connector body includes a body part with an inner profile adapted to receive the conductor and a cover part provided with two keepers that are fastened to the body part for providing the first and the second fixation of the conductor to the body part, respectively. The third fixation of the conductor is provided by an inner keeper that is partially covered by the two outer keepers. The inner keeper includes a contact element that is disposed transversally over the conductor and attached to the body part by a U-bolt. The outer keepers and the inner keeper are shaped so that at least one of the outer keepers covers, at least partially, the inner keeper.