Meter Jaw Connector Assembly Without Fastener Hardware

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional meter socket electrical connectors require additional fasteners like bolts and jaw nuts for securing the meter jaw, which increases material and labor costs and may not provide optimal electrical and thermal conductivity.

Innovation Solution

A meter jaw and termination connector assembly where the meter jaw is secured to the termination connector using a punch, eliminating the need for additional fasteners and enhancing mechanical, electrical, and thermal connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If additional fasteners like bolts and jaw nuts are used to secure the meter jaw, then mechanical connection strength is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical connection strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the meter jaw and termination connector into a single integrated assembly where the meter jaw is directly formed as part of the termination connector structure. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners like bolts and jaw nuts, reducing device complexity while maintaining mechanical strength through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the unnecessary fasteners (bolts and jaw nuts) from the conventional connector design. By extracting these redundant components, the invention simplifies the overall structure while the remaining integrated structure provides sufficient mechanical strength for securing the meter jaw.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If additional fasteners like bolts and jaw nuts are used to secure the meter jaw, then mechanical connection strength is improved, but material and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical connection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated design merges the meter jaw and termination connector into one piece, eliminating the need for multiple fasteners. This reduction in part count directly lowers material costs and simplifies assembly operations, reducing labor costs while maintaining adequate mechanical strength through the unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

By removing unnecessary fasteners from the design, the patent reduces both material consumption and assembly complexity. This extraction of redundant components leads to lower manufacturing costs without compromising the mechanical connection strength required for secure meter jaw attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If conventional fasteners are used to connect meter jaw to termination connector, then mechanical connection is achieved, but electrical and thermal conductivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical connectionVSAvoidelectrical and thermal conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated structure merges the electrical and thermal conduction paths with the mechanical connection structure. Since the meter jaw and termination connector are formed as one piece, the same material continuity that provides mechanical strength also ensures optimal electrical and thermal conductivity, eliminating the resistance introduced by separate fastener connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes intermediate fastener components that create electrical and thermal resistance at connection interfaces. By eliminating these discrete connection points, the invention achieves direct material continuity between the meter jaw and termination connector, improving electrical and thermal conductivity while maintaining mechanical connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This configuration reduces manufacturing costs, improves electrical conductivity by 21% compared to standard connectors, leading to lower temperature rises and higher performance.

Implementation Method 1

forcing a punch into the boss of the meter jaw to secure the boss of the meter jaw to the connector tab

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

electrical current flows from the electric power utility over the power supply conductors to the line-side electrical connectors of the meter socket, through the meter, to the load-side electrical connectors of the meter socket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

improves electrical conductivity by 21% compared to standard connectors, leading to lower temperature rises and higher performance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11942741B2Meter socket with meter jaw and termination connector assembly

Publication Date: 2024.03.26 MILBANK MANUFACTURING CO

AI summary

A meter socket with a meter jaw and termination connector assembly is disclosed. The termination connector is configured to receive a conductor and includes a connector tab with an opening formed therein. The meter jaw is configured to receive a connector blade of an electric meter and includes a boss projecting therefrom. The boss of the meter jaw is positioned within the opening and secured to the connector tab of the termination connector so as mechanically, electrically and thermally connect the meter jaw to the termination connector.