Segmented Cable Shield Connector with Hinge Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting elements for cable shields are rigid, making them difficult to mount around cable shields without degrading electrical contact, especially for tape shields, and require high mechanical force, which is not suitable for manual installation and maintaining geometry.
Innovation Solution
A flexible connecting element with interconnecting hinge elements and contact segments formed from conductive materials, allowing for reduced rigidity and easy bending around cables, with protrusions for gripping the shield and a conductive connecting lead for robust electrical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the contact element is made with sufficient thickness to form protrusions for contacting the cable shield, then the electrical contact performance is improved, but the rigidity of the contact element increases making it difficult to bend around the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is divided into multiple contact segments that are connected by hinge elements. This segmentation allows the contact element to bend around the cable while maintaining sufficient thickness in each segment for reliable electrical contact. The hinge elements provide the necessary flexibility without compromising the contact surface area or protrusion quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic, flexible structure capable of adapting to different cable diameters. The hinge elements enable the contact segments to move relative to each other, allowing the contact element to conform to the cable surface while maintaining electrical contact through the protrusions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the contact element is made rigid to maintain its shape, then the structural stability is improved, but the mechanical force required for mounting increases making manual installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the contact element into multiple sections connected by hinges, the structural stability is maintained within each rigid segment while the overall structure becomes flexible enough to be mounted with reduced mechanical force. The segmented design allows the element to adapt to the cable shape without requiring excessive bending force.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element incorporates flexible hinge connections between segments, creating a structure that combines rigid contact surfaces with flexible joints. This allows the element to maintain its shape during contact while being flexible during installation, reducing the mechanical force needed for mounting.
3Ease of operation
If the contact element is made thin and flexible to ease bending, then the ease of operation is improved, but the electrical contact performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is segmented such that each individual segment maintains sufficient thickness for reliable electrical contact, while the hinge connections between segments provide the necessary flexibility. This segmentation allows the overall element to be thin and flexible without compromising the contact quality of individual segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic hinge connections allow the contact segments to move and adapt to the cable surface, providing flexibility without requiring the entire element to be thin. Each segment maintains its structural integrity and contact capability while the system as a whole remains flexible and easy to operate.
4Ease of operation
If the contact element encompasses the cable shield from the outside, then the ease of operation is improved, but the rigidity leads to deteriorated electrical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is divided into segments with hinge connections that allow it to encompass the cable shield from the outside while maintaining flexibility. Each segment can independently conform to the cable surface, ensuring good electrical contact despite the external mounting configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge elements provide dynamic flexibility that allows the contact element to adapt to the cable shape when mounted externally. This dynamic structure enables the element to encompass the cable shield while maintaining sufficient contact pressure and electrical quality through the protrusions on each segment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to connecting element which is used for contacting an electrically conductive shield of a cable. A connecting element (100) for contacting a shielding layer or a plurality of shielding wires of a power cable according to the present invention comprises an electrically conductive contact element (102) for electrically contacting the shielding. Furthermore, an electrically conductive connecting lead (104) is provided for connecting the connecting element to another cable or a grounding point. According to the present invention, the contact element (102) comprises a plurality of electrically conductive contact segments (106) which are interconnected by means of at least one hinge element (108).