Pivoting Wall Electrical Connector with Rear Cable Cradle

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Solution Overview

Problem

In metersockets, large gauge wires are difficult to maneuver into position due to their thickness and stiffness, and the need to remove insulation makes them fray, complicating the connection process within confined spaces.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connector design that allows conductors to be attached through the side, using a pivoting wall and set screw mechanism to secure the conductor within a recessed space, eliminating the need to push the wire through a hole and reducing the required slack and working space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductors are pushed through a hole in the connector, then the connection is secure, but the operation becomes difficult due to confined space and wire stiffness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidease of conductor insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of pushing the conductor through the connector from the front, the connector is inverted to receive the conductor from the rear side. The recessed space and opening are positioned at the rear, allowing the conductor to be inserted backward through the connector body, bypassing the confined front space issue while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector utilizes the depth dimension by creating a recessed space that extends backward from the rear opening. This allows the conductor insertion path to extend into the third dimension (depth), providing the necessary working space for maneuvering stiff conductors without requiring additional lateral or vertical space in the confined meter socket environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If insulation is removed from the conductor tip, then the conductor can be inserted into the connector, but the conductor strands fray making insertion even more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of conductor insertionVSAvoidconductor integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed to receive conductors from the rear side rather than the front. This inverted insertion approach allows the conductor to be fed through the connector body in reverse, enabling the installer to maintain better control of the conductor strands during insertion and reducing the likelihood of fraying that occurs when pushing stripped conductors through tight openings from the front.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If large gauge wire is used to handle required amperage, then the electrical capacity is sufficient, but the wire thickness and stiffness make it difficult to maneuver into position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical capacityVSAvoidease of wire maneuvering

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Ease of operation

If the connector opening is made slightly larger than the conductor, then the conductor can be inserted, but the connector structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of conductor insertionVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is segmented into distinct functional zones: a recessed space for conductor positioning, a rear opening for insertion, and a set screw mechanism for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the recessed space providing guidance and the set screw providing secure retention, thereby reducing the need for an overly large opening while maintaining ease of insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9263859B2Device having a pivoting wall with a cable cradle

Publication Date: 2016.02.16 THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A new connector for attaching conductor wires to a metersocket is disclosed. The design of the connector allows the wires to be laid in along the side of the connector and requires little bending and slack in the wire. Once seated in place, the connector can be secured using a set screw that keeps the conductor wire in place.