Integrally Formed Cable Connector Socket for Power Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cable connection devices require additional steps and components, leading to increased manufacturing costs, assembly complexity, and potential air pockets that can cause electrical stress and reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

A cable assembly with an integrally formed connector socket and conductor element, eliminating the need for separate connectors and reducing parts, which simplifies manufacturing, assembly, and reduces the risk of air pockets by allowing for pre-assembly and the use of a shrinkable jacket for sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a separate connector socket is attached to the conductor element, then the connection device can be assembled with modular components, but the assembly process requires additional steps and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodular component assemblyVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector socket is integrally formed with the conductor element as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate attachment steps. This merging of components reduces assembly time and eliminates the interface between separate parts while maintaining modular manufacturing benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If a separate connector socket is attached to the conductor element, then the connection device can be manufactured with standardized parts, but the interface between parts creates air pockets that generate electrical stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandardized partsVSAvoidelectrical stress control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The integral formation of the connector socket with the conductor element eliminates interfaces where air pockets could form. This single-piece construction ensures continuous electrical contact and eliminates the need for cage electrodes to shield against electrical stress from interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used in the connection device, then the design can be optimized for each individual component, but the number of parts increases manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent optimizationVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector socket and conductor element are combined into a single integrally formed component, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining the functional optimization of each element through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate components are used in the connection device, then each component can be independently manufactured, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent manufacturingVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The integral formation of the connector socket with the conductor element eliminates assembly steps while allowing the entire component to be manufactured using optimized processes suitable for the specific application requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 results in a more cost-effective, reliable, and easier-to-assemble cable connection device with improved mechanical stability and reduced electrical stress, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of power cable connections in electrical installations.

Implementation Method 1

The jacket is made of a shrinkable material. The shrinkable material is shrunk over the conductor element and the cable plug

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentEP2819250B1Cable assembly and method of connecting a power cable to an electrical installation of a power network
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP2819250B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2819250B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2819250B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Cable connection device (2) for connecting a power cable to an electrical installation of a power network, comprising a conductor element (11) having a first end portion (21), a second end portion (31), and a middle portion (41) disposed between the first and the second end portion. The conductor element comprises a connector socket (50), arranged at the first end portion, for mating with a cable plug. The connector socket is integrally formed with the middle portion.