Offset Stepped Diameter Submersible Connector for Multi-Size Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional submersible electrical set-screw connectors face challenges in providing a reliable, watertight seal for various conductor sizes and configurations in underground power distribution networks, limiting their versatility and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a submersible electrical set-screw connector with a connector body and cover featuring offset stepped diameters for both the outer and inner surfaces, allowing for adaptable sealing of different conductor sizes through a sealing member with a stepped inner diameter, ensuring a snug fit and watertight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional submersible electrical set-screw connectors use a single diameter opening, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various conductor sizes and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is divided into multiple sections with different diameters (first opening, second opening, third opening) that can accommodate conductors of different sizes. Each opening is specifically dimensioned to receive conductors within a particular size range, allowing the single connector to handle various conductor configurations without requiring multiple different connector types.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with multi-functional openings that can serve different purposes based on conductor size. The first opening receives smaller conductors, the second opening receives medium-sized conductors, and the third opening receives larger conductors. This universal design allows one connector to perform the function of multiple specialized connectors.
2Reliability
If the connector uses a single diameter opening, then manufacturing is simple, but sealing reliability for various conductor sizes is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is segmented into multiple regions corresponding to each opening diameter. Each opening has its own sealing mechanism that can independently provide a watertight seal for conductors of that specific size range. This segmentation ensures that the seal reliability is maintained for each conductor size without requiring a completely different sealing system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the connector body have different local qualities - specifically, different diameters and sealing characteristics tailored to specific conductor sizes. The first opening region has properties optimized for smaller conductors, while the third opening region has properties optimized for larger conductors, ensuring reliable sealing across all applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If offset stepped diameters are used in the cover tube, then adaptability to different conductor sizes is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The offset stepped diameters are pre-configured in the cover tube during manufacturing, with each diameter specifically calculated and positioned to accommodate predetermined conductor size ranges. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for field adjustments or complex assembly procedures, as the precise geometry is built-in from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover tube incorporates discrete parameter changes in the form of stepped diameters (first diameter, second diameter, third diameter) that are offset from each other. These parameter changes allow the same component to accommodate multiple conductor sizes by providing different clearance and sealing characteristics for each size category.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an electrical connector sealing member. The electrical connector sealing member includes an outer surface and an inner channel. A portion of the outer surface includes a stepped outer diameter. The sealing member is adapted to be received by an electrical connector at the outer surface. A portion of the inner channel includes a stepped inner diameter. The sealing member is adapted to receive an electrical conductor at the inner channel. The stepped inner diameter is offset from the stepped outer diameter.