Disconnectable Joint Assemblies with Integral Interlock Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disconnectable joint assemblies for electrical cables in urban power transmission networks face challenges in providing a secure, efficient, and environmentally protected connection that allows for easy disconnection and reconnection of cables for maintenance, while ensuring electrical safety and protection from moisture.
Innovation Solution
A disconnectable joint system comprising shear bolt connectors with integral alignment and interlock features, along with a coupling bolt, allows for mechanical and electrical connections between cables, enabling easy disconnection and reconnection, and is covered by a cold-shrink or heat-shrinkable cover for environmental protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional bolt connectors are used for disconnectable joints, then the connection can be disconnected and reconnected for maintenance, but the connectors may experience axial separation and twisting under load
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric interlock features including a male feature with a protrusion and a female feature with a corresponding recess that accepts the protrusion. This asymmetric geometry prevents axial separation and twisting by ensuring that the features can only engage in one specific orientation, thereby maintaining connector stability while preserving disconnectability
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock features are nested within the connector bodies, with the male interlock feature positioned inside the male connector and the female interlock feature positioned inside the female connector. When connected, these nested features engage to provide mechanical interlocking that prevents separation and rotation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If joint sleeve systems are employed for environmental protection, then protection from moisture and electrical safety are improved, but the complexity of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design merges the electrical connection function with the environmental protection function by integrating the interlock features directly into the connector bodies that are inserted into the joint sleeve. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall assembly while maintaining both electrical connectivity and environmental sealing
3Strength
If shear bolt connectors with interlock features are used, then mechanical and electrical connections are secured, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock features are pre-formed as integral parts of the connector bodies during the manufacturing process. The male feature includes a protrusion and the female feature includes a corresponding recess that are formed simultaneously with the connector body, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing steps and reducing overall manufacturing complexity while ensuring strong mechanical connection
Data Source
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AI summary
A disconnectable joint system (105) includes first (110) and second (130) connectors and a coupling fastener (150). The first connector (110) defines a first conductor bore (116A) to receive a first cable conductor (40), and a first coupling portion (120) including a first coupling bore (124) and a first integral interlock feature (126). The second connector (130) defines a second conductor bore (136A) to receive a second cable conductor (50), and a second coupling portion (140) including a second coupling bore (144) and a second integral interlock feature (146). The first (120) and second (140) coupling portions are mateable in an interlocked position wherein the first (126) and second (146) interlock features are interlocked with one another, the first (124) and second (144) coupling bores are substantially aligned, and the coupling fastener (150) can be inserted through the first (124) and second (144) coupling bores and tightened to securely couple the first (110) and second (130) connectors to one another. The first (110) and second (130) connectors can be separated upon removal of the coupling fastener (150).