Hybrid Conductor Connector With Continuous Core and Optical Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conductor connectors fail to securely connect hybrid conductors with continuous electrical and optical paths, requiring the core to be severed, which disrupts the continuous path needed for optical fiber sensing units.

Innovation Solution

A conductor connector design with a core grip featuring first and third legs and a passage, allowing a continuous electrical and optical path by exposing a section of the conductor core and optical fiber, secured by compression and collet assemblies within outer bodies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the conductor core is severed to be gripped properly by existing connectors, then the connection strength and tension holding capability are improved, but the continuous optical path is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidcontinuous optical path

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate functional components: outer bodies for gripping conductor strands and a separate core grip assembly for securing the conductor core. This segmentation allows the core to pass through continuously while still being securely held, maintaining both connection strength and optical path integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A core grip assembly acts as an intermediary component between the conductor core and the outer bodies. This intermediary structure provides a secure gripping mechanism for the core without requiring severance, enabling both mechanical strength and continuous optical transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a traditional connector design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot maintain continuous optical and electrical paths while providing secure high-tension connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector structureVSAvoidcontinuous path maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The core grip assembly is nested within the outer bodies, with the core grip containing compression and collet assemblies that are themselves nested within the main connector structure. This nested arrangement provides multiple functional capabilities while maintaining a relatively compact and manageable overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Facilitates secure connections in high-tension environments, maintaining continuous electrical and optical paths, functioning at or above 95% of the conductor's rated breaking strength.

Implementation Method 1

secured by compression and collet assemblies within outer bodies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS20250385446A1Conductor connectors for use with hybrid conductors

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 AFL COMM LLC

AI summary

A conductor connector includes a first outer body defining a first outer body interior, a second outer body defining a second outer body interior, and a core grip. The core grip includes a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg, the core grip defining a passage which extends through the first leg and the third leg, the core grip further including a connector accessory on the second leg. The first leg is housed in the first outer body interior and the third leg is housed in the second outer body interior.