Removable Spacer for Conductor Connection Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conductor connection devices face challenges when connecting short or rigid cables, especially those with large sections or optical fibers, as existing solutions often require excessive cable length and cumbersome implementation, particularly when the cabling chamber is too large or difficult to manage.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a hollow body with a removable spacer that can be positioned between the body and a connector, allowing access to a chamber for additional cable length, facilitating handling and connection, and utilizing a nut with a thread to secure the spacer in place, preventing rotation and ensuring a secure connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a wiring chamber is provided in the middle part of the cables to house additional cable length, then sufficient cable length for handling and connection is achieved, but the device size becomes too large and implementation becomes difficult for short or rigid cables

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable handling capabilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer is inserted inside the hollow body, creating a nested structure where the spacer (containing the cable length) is housed within the main device body. This allows the additional cable length to be compactly stored without increasing the overall device volume, resolving the contradiction between cable handling capability and device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into multiple components: the hollow body, the removable spacer, and the connector. The spacer can be independently removed to provide cable access, allowing the cable handling function to be separated from the main device structure. This segmentation enables compact overall size while maintaining ease of cable operation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the spacer is made removable to allow access to the chamber for cable handling, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable access capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer serves multiple functions: it provides additional cable length housing, acts as a structural element between the hollow body and connector, and can be independently removed for cable access. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer combines several functions into a single component: cable length accommodation, structural support, and access mechanism. By merging these functions into one removable element rather than using separate components for each function, the device complexity is reduced while still providing easy cable access when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3542417B1Device for connecting conductors and connection assembly comprising such a device
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 SAFRAN AEROSYST
  • EP3542417B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3542417B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3542417B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

This device for connecting conductors, in particular electrical conductor cables or optical fibres, comprises a hollow body (3) defining an inner passage (P) for the conductors and an attachment member (5) for attaching the body onto a connector (4). The device comprises a removable spacer (6) that can be positioned in the extension of the body, between the body and the connector, the spacer internally defining a chamber opening on either side of the spacer at mutually opposite faces and intended to interact with the hollow body and/or the connector, the spacer being able to be opened in such a way as to allow access to the chamber.