Modular Housing Assembly with Quick-Connect Cable Adapter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting LED luminaire drivers to power supplies are inefficient, unreliable, and pose safety hazards due to varied wiring modes and the need for stripping and additional accessories, especially with standard connectors like EP-Wieland-Adels, leading to poor contact, high resistance, and increased installation time and costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular quick connection system integrating a driving box, wiring frame, and adapter plugs that allow direct insertion of cables and matching of standard connectors, ensuring secure and efficient connections without the need for stripping, using a metal copper rod and conductive elastic pieces for reliable electrical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional wiring methods (stranded connection, tight connection, welding, terminal connection) are used to connect LED luminaire drivers to power supplies, then electrical connection can be established, but the installation process becomes tedious and time-consuming, requiring professional construction personnel and additional accessories

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing assembly is segmented into modular components: the housing body, the cable adapter with cable end receiving structure, and the electronic component. This segmentation allows the cable adapter to be independently assembled and replaced, simplifying the installation process and enabling quick connection without complex wiring operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable adapter serves as an intermediary component between the cable end and the electronic component. It provides a standardized interface that mediates the connection, eliminating the need for direct complex wiring operations between the power supply and the LED luminaire driver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If cable ends are directly connected to electronic components using terminal blocks with clamping wrenches, then electrical connection is established, but the connection process requires stripping cables and additional accessories, increasing installation time and costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection easeVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cable adapter is pre-assembled with the housing and electronic component before installation. The cable end receiving structure is prepared in advance with the appropriate clamping mechanism, so that during installation, only the cable needs to be inserted without requiring stripping or complex preparation steps on-site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cable adapter incorporates a self-service clamping mechanism where the cable end is automatically clamped and secured upon insertion, eliminating the need for additional tools like clamping wrenches or manual stripping operations. The system performs the connection function itself without requiring external assistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If standard connectors like EP-Wieland-Adels are used on power supply cables, then quick connection is possible, but the connectors need to be cut from cables and cores stripped, losing the advantages of standard connectors in terms of safety and reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection speedVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cable adapter is designed with universal compatibility to accept various cable end types including standard connectors like EP-Wieland-Adels. It provides a unified interface that can accommodate different connector types, allowing the housing assembly to work with pre-equipped standard connectors without requiring them to be cut or modified, thus preserving their safety and reliability advantages while enabling quick connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3771306A1Assembly of a housing, an electronic or electric component and a preferably quick-connect cable adapter/connector
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 CHK DEV
  • EP3771306A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3771306A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3771306A1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a kit-of-parts in assembly forming a component housing, comprising: a box (2) configured to accommodate an electrical or electronic component therein, and a plug adapter (3) having plug holes (3.1.1), each configured for introduction therein of a conductor from a group comprising: an electrode plug (4.2); and at least a cable core (5.1), and each comprising an electrode insert (3.2) extending from a respective one of the plug holes into the box to electrically connect the conductor with the electrical or electronic component conductor. A socket adapter (4) is provided, for cases wherein cables are supplied to a construction site with a mains power plug at one end and a standard coupling part at an opposite end. Also, the present disclosure relates to a method of assembling an assembly from the kit-of-parts.