Multi-cable Socket Connector with Peelable Clamping Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-cable socket connectors have low adaptability for different numbers of cables, lead to thermal overheating issues, and are difficult to install and maintain due to fixed diameters and crimping requirements, which affects current-carrying capacity and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A multi-cable socket connector design featuring a conducting portion with multiple holes and a mounting assembly including a cover and bushing with a peelable part, protruded limiting portions, and hooks to securely connect and stabilize cables of varying numbers, allowing for flexible installation and high current transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-diameter connector is used to clamp multiple cables, then the connector structure is simple, but the adaptability to different numbers of cables is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different cable countsVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector body is divided into multiple independent clamping units, each capable of independently adapting to cables. The clamping unit includes a clamping plate with multiple through holes and independent contact pieces, allowing each unit to be configured for different cable arrangements without changing the entire connector structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector employs movable contact pieces that can be adjusted to different positions to accommodate varying numbers of cables. The clamping mechanism includes movable components that can be positioned to match different cable configurations, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional clamping methods are used for multiple cables, then the installation process is simple, but thermal overheating problems occur due to poor clamping quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping quality and thermal performanceVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Each clamping unit is equipped with multiple contact pieces that make localized contact with different cables. The contact pieces are distributed across the clamping plate to ensure even pressure distribution and optimal electrical contact with each cable, improving local clamping quality and thermal performance without requiring complex overall installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a connector is designed for a fixed number of cables, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ease of operation for different cable configurations is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installation and maintenanceVSAvoidconnector configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed as a universal solution that can accommodate different numbers and arrangements of cables through its modular clamping units. The same connector body with multiple clamping units can be configured for various cable scenarios, eliminating the need for different connector models and simplifying inventory and installation while providing operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2997626B1Multi-cable socket connector
Publication Date: 2019.07.24 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP2997626B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2997626B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP2997626B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A multi-cable socket connector is for connecting multi-cable (42) to a terminal (50) of a device, which comprises: a conducting portion (20), which comprises a first conductive part (23) and a second conductive part (24); the first conductive part (23), configured to have a plurality of holes (25) which are electrically connected to a plurality of mating terminals (40) of the cables (42), each mating terminal (40) of the cable (42) respectively passing through the corresponding hole (25); the second conductive part (24), configured to electrically connect to the terminal of the device; a mounting assembly, configured to house and fix the conducting portion (20) and the mating terminals (40) of the cables (42), which comprises a cover (10) and a bushing (30). It improves the usability, security and reliability of the multi-cable connector.