Push-in Cable Connector with Spring-Biased Retainers for Electrical Box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable clamps for electrical boxes inadequately grip metal clad and armor cables, requiring separate connectors and not providing a secure, pre-assembled solution for securing cables during installation.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector integrated into the electrical box assembly with spring-biased retainers that grip the outer surface of cables, preventing the metal sheath from entering the box while allowing conductors to pass through, and accommodating different cable sizes with adjustable leg lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cable clamps are used to secure cables to the electrical box, then the cable can be held in place, but the clamps do not adequately grip metal clad and armor cables and require separate connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connector is integrated directly into the electrical box structure, merging the box and connector into a single unit. The connector includes a body with a cable passage and a front wall with an opening, eliminating the need for separate connectors while providing secure gripping of metal clad and armor cables through its integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The cable connector is designed to accommodate multiple cable types including non-metallic sheathed cables, metal clad cables, and armor cables through a single universal structure. The front wall opening is dimensioned to receive various cable types while preventing metal sheaths from passing through, providing multi-functional capability
2Reliability
If cable clamps are mounted to the cable and inserted into the opening, then the cable can be secured, but the clamp projects outwardly from the electrical box surface
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connector is nested within the electrical box structure, with the connector body positioned inside the box and the front wall aligned with the box surface. This nesting arrangement allows the connector to secure cables effectively while maintaining a flush profile that does not project outwardly from the electrical box
3Device complexity
If a single cable connector design is used, then the structure is simplified, but it cannot accommodate different cable sizes effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The front wall opening is designed with dimensions that allow it to receive various cable types including non-metallic sheathed cables, metal clad cables, and armor cables of different sizes. The opening is sized to allow conductors to pass through while preventing metal sheaths from passing through, providing adaptability across cable types
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design utilizes parameter variations in the front wall opening dimensions and the cable passage geometry to accommodate different cable sizes and types. The opening parameters are optimized to allow flexible insertion of various cable types while maintaining secure retention
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
The solution provides a secure, pre-assembled cable management system that effectively grips various cable types without the need for separate connectors, ensuring reliable cable retention and easy installation.
Implementation Method 1
The cable retainer is positioned to cover at least a portion of the cable opening in the side wall of the electrical box so that the cable retainer flexes inwardly when the cable is passed through the cable opening
Implementation Method 2
A cable connector integrated into the electrical box assembly with spring-biased retainers that grip the outer surface of cables, preventing the metal sheath from entering the box
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector is provided for coupling to and mounted within the internal cavity of an electrical box for securing an electrical cable passing through an opening in the electrical box. The cable connector includes a body having a first end positioned next to or adjacent the cable opening in the electrical box and a second end spaced from the first end and the cable opening. At least one and typically two retaining members are spring biased from the first end of the body and extend into a cable passage of the body toward the second end. A front wall is provided at the second end of the body with an opening for receiving the wires and forming a stop member to prevent the armor sheathing from passing through the front wall.