Hinged Connector Door Assembly with Cable Gripping and Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector door assemblies for cable termination in connector housings lack effective strain relief and secure locking mechanisms, leading to potential cable damage and unreliable connections.
Innovation Solution
A hinged connector door assembly with parallel hinges, flexible cable gripping surfaces, and a locking mechanism that securely closes around the cable, providing strain relief and mechanical strength, and includes a locking mechanism with interlocking tabs and chamfered surfaces for continuous contact and easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional connector door assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but strain relief is insufficient and cable damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: the door body, separate hinge mechanisms at each end, and integrated cable gripping surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and strain relief capability
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanisms are nested within the door assembly structure, with hinge pins integrated into the door body and housing. The cable gripping surfaces are nested within the door interior, creating a compact integrated structure that provides strain relief without excessive external complexity
2Reliability
If traditional connector door assemblies are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but locking mechanisms are unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge pins are pre-positioned and pre-aligned during the door manufacturing process, ensuring that the locking mechanism is already in the correct configuration before final assembly. This preliminary action guarantees reliable locking without requiring complex post-assembly adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is designed to self-align and self-lock when the door is closed, with the hinge pins automatically engaging the housing mounting slots. This self-service locking mechanism eliminates the need for complex external locking components while maintaining reliability
3Stability of the object's composition
If hinged doors with parallel hinges are used, then cable termination security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two parallel hinge mechanisms are merged into a single coordinated door assembly structure, where both hinges work together to provide stable cable termination. The cable gripping surfaces on both doors are merged to form a unified clamping region, enhancing security while maintaining structural integration
4Strength
If cable gripping surfaces are integrated into the door, then strain relief is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable gripping surfaces are formed from composite or multi-layer materials that combine flexibility for cable gripping with structural integrity for door strength. This allows enhanced strain relief capability while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding or fabrication processes
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 solution provides reliable strain relief, secure cable termination, and easy access for maintenance, ensuring consistent mechanical strength and connectivity while preventing cable damage.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of parallel hinges arranged for pivotally connecting an outer edge of a respective one of the doors to the connector housing
Implementation Method 2
A pair of supports each comprising a cable gripping surface... providing strain relief and mechanical strength
Data Source
AI summary
A door assembly for attachment to a connector housing is shown. The door assembly comprises a pair of opposed doors mounted on either side of an opening by a hinge, which when in a closed position define a cable receiving opening there between. Supports are provided on either door which grip the of cable therebetween when the doors are in the closed position. In a particular embodiment a locking mechanism is provided to retain the doors in a closed.