Plug-Socket Cable Connector With Tool-Free Replaceable Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical cable connections are difficult to replace or repair individually.

Innovation Solution

A connection device with an arrangement of electrical contacts and clamping units that allow for reproducible, tool-free assembly and disassembly, featuring a plug-socket principle with interchangeable components and a protective cover for secure electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If traditional cable connections are used, then electrical connections can be established, but the connections are difficult to replace or repair individually

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of cable replacementVSAvoidConnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device is divided into separable components: a first connection device with clamping units for securing the cable, and a second connection device with electrical contacts for electrical connection. This segmentation allows the cable connection to be replaced independently without replacing the entire cable assembly, enabling easy repair while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping units are pre-configured in the first connection device to securely hold the cable conductors before electrical connection is made. This preliminary mechanical securing action ensures that the cable is firmly attached and positioned correctly before electrical contacts engage, facilitating straightforward replacement without complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If traditional cable connections are used, then electrical connections can be established, but tool-free assembly and disassembly is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTool-free assemblyVSAvoidConnection security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping units are designed to automatically clamp and secure the cable conductors when the connection devices are mated, without requiring external tools or manual intervention. The mechanical clamping action engages self-service, securing the electrical connection reliably while allowing easy tool-free assembly and disassembly by simply separating the connection devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4290707B1Connecting device
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 GRAWE GMBH
  • EP4290707B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4290707B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4290707B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a connecting device (10) for connecting electrical cables, comprising an arrangement of electrical contacts, wherein a plurality of first electrical contacts are arranged around at least one second electrical contact, each of the first electrical contacts being at a substantially equal distance to the at least one second electrical contact, and an arrangement of clamping units, wherein each clamping unit has at least two clamping receptacles, each of which is configured to receive an electrical conductor reproducibly in a lockable and releasable manner such that release of the electrical conductor from a respective clamping receptacle is prevented in the locked state below a predetermined release force and is permitted in the unlocked state, wherein each of the electrical contacts is electrically connected to a clamping unit.