Screen Connector Shrinkable Sleeve for Cable Shielding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing jointing assemblies for high voltage electrical cables require complex and time-consuming operations to achieve reliable electrical contact between the shield sock and the metallic shield, often resulting in axial displacements and imperfect connections.
Innovation Solution
A radially shrinkable sleeve is used to tighten the conductive shield sock onto the metallic shield of the cable, eliminating the need for mechanical clamps and ensuring a steady electrical contact by holding the shield sock and protective sleeve in a radially expanded state with a removable support element, which collapses onto the cable upon removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical clamps are used to connect the shield sock to the metallic shield, then electrical contact is achieved, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming with risk of axial displacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mechanical clamps from the connection system entirely. Instead of using clamps to secure the shield sock to the metallic shield, the invention uses a shrinkable sleeve that directly contracts onto the shield sock, eliminating the intermediate mechanical fastening components and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the protective sleeve from expanded to contracted through thermal or radial compression. This parameter change allows the sleeve to tightly embrace the shield sock and metallic shield assembly, creating a secure mechanical and electrical connection without requiring separate fastening mechanisms.
2Reliability
If mechanical clamps are used to secure the shield sock, then connection is achieved, but axial displacements occur and welding is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the welding step entirely by using a shrinkable sleeve that creates a permanent mechanical interference fit with the shield sock and metallic shield. This cold-forming approach replaces the thermal welding process, preventing axial displacements through friction and geometric interlocking rather than metallurgical bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield sock is pre-positioned on the metallic shield before the shrinkable sleeve is applied. This preliminary arrangement ensures proper alignment and contact, and the subsequent sleeve contraction locks everything in place without requiring post-positioning adjustments or welding operations.
3Ease of operation
If the shield sock is held in radially expanded state with support element, then easy installation is achieved, but the support element must be removed afterward
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is temporarily installed to hold the shield sock and protective sleeve in an expanded state, facilitating easy assembly. After the shrinkable sleeve is positioned over the shield sock, the support element is removed, allowing the sleeve to contract and permanently secure the connection. This preliminary support structure simplifies the installation process while being easily removable.
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
This solution significantly reduces the time and complexity of splicing operations while ensuring a perfect and reliable electrical contact between the shield sock and the metallic shield, eliminating the need for welding and minimizing axial displacements.
Implementation Method 1
a radially shrinkable sleeve (12) held in a radially expanded state by a removable support element (13) arranged in a radially inner position with respect to the conductive shield sock (11)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A screen connector (10) for electrical cables and/or for jointing assemblies for electrical cables, comprises a conductive shield sock (11) extending about a longitudinal axis (X-X) and adapted to be coupled to a conductive screen of at least one electrical cable or to at least one jointing assembly for electrical cables. A shrinkable protective sleeve (12) is arranged in a radially outer position with respect to said conductive shield sock (11) and at least one removable support element (13) is arranged in a radially inner position with respect to said conductive shield sock (11) to hold said conductive shield sock (11) and said shrinkable protective sleeve (12) in a radially expanded state. A jointing assembly for electrical cables is also disclosed, said jointing assembly being either in a radially expanded state or radially collapsed onto an end portion of at least one electrical cable. The jointing assembly is either a joint for connecting two electrical cables or a termination for connecting one electrical cable to a different device.