Insulation-Piercing Wire Termination Connectors for Meter Boxes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In the electrical distribution industry, the use of lay-in style wire termination connectors in meter sockets requires stripping insulation from conductors, which is time-consuming and poses safety risks, increasing installation costs and hazards for electric power utility personnel.
Innovation Solution
The development of insulation-piercing wire termination connectors that pierce and displace insulation to establish electrical contact with conductive wires, eliminating the need for stripping and enhancing safety and efficiency during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lay-in style wire termination connectors are used, then mechanical and electrical contact is achieved, but insulation stripping is required which increases installation time and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the insulation stripping operation from the wire termination process by using protrusions that pierce through the insulation directly. This allows the connector to establish electrical contact without requiring the insulation to be removed, thereby eliminating the time-consuming stripping step while maintaining reliable mechanical and electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are pre-configured within the connector body to automatically pierce the insulation when the wire is inserted and the connector is closed. This preliminary piercing action occurs as part of the normal connection process, eliminating the need for separate insulation removal steps and reducing overall installation time.
2Ease of operation
If insulation stripping is performed, then wire termination is achieved, but safety risks increase due to sharp wire stripping tools
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the harmful wire stripping operation from the termination process by using protrusions that pierce the insulation intact. This eliminates the need for sharp stripping tools and associated safety risks, while still achieving reliable electrical contact through the pierced insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions act as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between the connector and the conductor. Instead of requiring direct contact with stripped wire, the protrusions pierce the insulation to reach the conductor, serving as a safe intermediary that eliminates the need for dangerous stripping tools.
3Productivity
If insulation-piercing connectors are used, then installation time is reduced, but the connector design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the insulation piercing function directly into the existing connector body by incorporating protrusions as integral components. This integration approach allows the connector to perform both mechanical clamping and insulation piercing functions within a single unified structure, minimizing additional complexity while achieving faster installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are strategically positioned at specific locations within the connector body where insulation piercing is most effective. This localized approach allows the connector to maintain simple overall design while incorporating the insulation-piercing capability only where needed, balancing functionality with design simplicity.
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 insulation-piercing connectors significantly reduce installation time, lower costs, and improve safety by allowing direct electrical contact without stripping, while maintaining mechanical and thermal integrity, thus providing an economic advantage and improved safety for electric power utility personnel.
Implementation Method 1
The conductor receiver includes one or more protrusions that are configured to pierce and displace the insulation and electrically contact the conductive wire
Data Source
AI summary
A meter box with insulation-piercing wire termination connectors is disclosed. Each connector includes a conductor receiver having an inner surface that defines a channel sized to receive an electrical power conductor comprised of a conductive wire encased within insulation. At least one protrusion projects from the inner surface of the conductor receiver into the channel and has a continuous edge spaced apart from the inner surface that is positioned to pierce the insulation and electrically contact the conductive wire when the electrical power conductor is clamped within the conductor receiver. Each connector may also include a meter jaw configured to receive a connector blade of an electric meter, wherein the meter jaw is mechanically and electrically connected to the conductor receiver.