Push-Type Connector With Transverse Ridges For Tool-Free Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors often lack secure and tool-free connection methods that comply with certification standards, such as UL and CSA, and may not provide sufficient ease of connection and disconnection.
Innovation Solution
The design of a connector with tubular members and contact elements made from insulating materials, featuring transverse ridges for gripping and a longitudinal web for insulation, allowing secure and easy connection of multiple electrical conductors without tools, while adhering to certification standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing electrical connectors are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but the connection method lacks tool-free operation and compliance with certification standards
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate parts: a plug with a first tubular member and a receptacle with a second tubular member. Each part can be independently manufactured to meet certification standards while maintaining tool-free connection capability. The segmentation allows each component to be optimized for both ease of operation and compliance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs self-gripping contact elements with transverse ridges that automatically secure the conductor without requiring external tools. The spring-loaded contact elements exert continuous pressure on the conductor, maintaining electrical connection through self-service mechanism that complies with UL and CSA standards.
2Ease of operation
If existing electrical connectors are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but ease of connection and disconnection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The contact elements are nested within the tubular members, with the contact elements positioned inside the conduit-forming structures. This nesting arrangement allows the connector to maintain a compact form factor while providing easy tool-free connection. The nested structure enables the conductor to be simply inserted and automatically secured without complex assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to actively secure the connection through tools, the design inverts the approach by having the connector automatically grip and secure the conductor through spring-loaded contact elements. The disconnection process is simplified by allowing the user to simply pull the conductor out, with the spring mechanism automatically releasing its grip.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If insulating materials are used for tubular members and contact elements, then electrical shorting is prevented, but gripping capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular members and contact elements are made from electrically insulating materials with specific local properties optimized for different functions. The contact elements feature transverse ridges with increased surface area and friction coefficients at specific locations to enhance gripping capability while the overall structure maintains electrical insulation. This local quality differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of insulation and gripping requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes composite material structures combining insulating properties with mechanical gripping characteristics. The insulating materials are engineered to provide both electrical isolation and sufficient mechanical strength for secure conductor attachment. The composite approach allows the single material to fulfill multiple functions that would otherwise require separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector may be configured to electrically connect at least first and second electrical conductors to one another. The connector may include first and second connector elements configured to electrically couple the first and second electrical conductors. The first and second connector elements may each include tubular members extending longitudinally between respective conductor ends and connector ends. The tubular members may each define respective exterior surfaces. The exterior surfaces of the first and second connector elements may define respective body portions, and the exterior surface of the first connector element may define a projection. The exterior surface of the second connector element may define a tubular receiver configured to receive the projection. The exterior surfaces may include respective shoulders, and the exterior surfaces may each define a plurality of transverse ridges associated with the respective shoulders to facilitate gripping the first and second connector elements.