Rotatable Phase Selection Device for Flat Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for multiphase flat cables require complex structures and multiple phase conductors to be tapped, leading to safety issues and inefficiencies in phase selection and reusability.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a rotatable phase selection element that allows irreversible phase selection in specific rotational positions, ensuring only the selected phase conductor is tapped without damaging insulation, and can be reused by locking the phase selection element, preventing further phase changes without destruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a contact slide is used for phase selection, then phase selection is possible, but the device structure becomes relatively complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into separate functional modules: a housing containing the tapping mechanism, a separate phase selection element that can be rotatably mounted, and a cable clamp assembly. This segmentation allows the phase selection element to be independently designed and adjusted without affecting the core connection structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining phase selection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase selection element is designed to be rotatable relative to the housing, allowing dynamic adjustment of the tapping contact position to select different phase conductors. This dynamic mechanism replaces complex fixed structures with multiple separate devices, enabling phase selection through simple rotation while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple phase conductors are tapped, then all phases can be connected, but safety issues arise from multiple selections at the same point
Solution Approach 1:
The phase selection element is configured to select and lock into a specific phase conductor position before the tapping contact is applied to the cable. This preliminary selection action ensures that only one phase conductor is targeted at a time, preventing accidental multiple selections at the same location and enhancing safety while maintaining the ability to connect to different phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase selection element incorporates visual indicators or markings that provide feedback on the selected phase position. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to verify the selected phase before making the connection, preventing incorrect or duplicate selections and improving overall safety and reliability of the multi-phase connection process.
3Ease of operation
If the phase selection element can be rotated freely, then phase selection is flexible, but the selection cannot be locked without destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The phase selection element and housing are designed with asymmetric features such as cam locks, detent mechanisms, or asymmetric positioning elements that engage at specific rotational positions. These asymmetric features allow the element to rotate freely for selection purposes but automatically lock into place once the desired phase is selected, providing both operational flexibility and selection stability without requiring destructive actions.
4Device complexity
If the connection device is designed for single use, then phase selection simplicity is maintained, but reusability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is designed with a reusable architecture where the housing, tapping mechanism, and cable clamp can be separated from the cable after use and reused on other cables. The phase selection element is configured to retain its selected position or be easily reconfigured for new installations, allowing the device to be recovered and reused multiple times while maintaining design simplicity through modular construction and durable materials.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) has a rotatable phase-selection unit (2) allowing contacting of a phase conductor of a flat cable with a phase selection tapping contact (3) only in predetermined rotational positions. The selection unit is locked in the device with respect to the met phase selection during execution of the phase selection. The locking of the selection unit is not non-destructively released, where the device is non-destructively separable from the flat cable after the met phase selection and reusable under maintaining of the once met phase selection. An independent claim is also included for a method for strip-free tapping contacting of a multiphase flat cable.