One-Piece Cable Connector With Integral Spring Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conduit connectors for metal armor cables do not allow for independent and secure attachment to the cable before assembly with an electrical box, leading to complex installation processes and potential loss of parts.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece connector with an integral retaining spring that can be preassembled with the cable, featuring spring arms to grip the cable and a coupling hook for secure attachment to the electrical box, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional multi-component connectors are used to connect armor cable to electrical box, then the connection can be secured, but the installation process becomes complex and parts may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connector components into a single integrated connector body that includes built-in spring arms, gripping elements, and electrical contact features. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate parts and assembly steps, directly resolving the contradiction by simplifying installation while maintaining secure connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body is segmented into functional zones with spring arms that can independently grip the cable, while the integrated structure ensures these segments work together as a unified system. This segmentation within integration allows complex functions to be achieved without requiring multiple separate components.
2Productivity
If connectors are assembled on-site, then flexibility is maintained, but time is lost and parts may be misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a pre-assembled integrated unit with all gripping elements, springs, and electrical contact features already in place during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates on-site assembly requirements, directly improving productivity by allowing installers to simply attach the complete connector to the cable and electrical box without worrying about part loss or assembly errors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate spring clips are used to couple cable to connector, then the cable can be secured, but independent attachment before box assembly is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arms and cable-gripping features are merged directly into the connector body as integral elements rather than separate clips. This allows the connector to be pre-assembled with the cable in various configurations before final attachment to the electrical box, providing adaptability while avoiding the complexity of managing separate spring clip components.
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
Facilitates easier and more efficient installation by allowing preassembly of the connector with the cable, reducing on-site assembly complexity and minimizing part loss, while ensuring secure connection to the electrical box.
Implementation Method 1
A cable retaining spring is integrally formed with the body and extends from the second end toward the bottom portion of the body for gripping and retaining a cable in the body
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector is provided for connecting a cable to an electrical box. The cable connector has a body with an axial passage for receiving the cable where the body has a first end and a second end. The first end of the body is connected to the electrical box by a coupling member. Two spaced apart spring arms extend from the second end of the body and are angled inwardly to engage the cable and couple the cable to the connector. In one embodiment, the spring arms extend from a top portion of the body inwardly toward the axial center of the body. The first end of the connector includes a coupling tab for coupling to the electrical box and attaching the connector to the electrical box. In one embodiment, the coupling tab is formed with the front end of the body. In a second embodiment, the coupling tab is formed with the forward end of the coupling spring.