Self-Locking Wire Device with Conductive Locking Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wire connectors require tools for assembly and disassembly and are limited to specific wire lengths, making them costly and inefficient for wire relocation and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A self-locking wire device with conductive locking elements, including angled teeth, allows for tool-free connection and disconnection of wires without length restrictions, using a housing made of non-conductive material to securely lock wires in one direction while allowing insertion in another.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional wire connectors with fasteners are used, then wires can be securely connected, but tool-operated assembly and disassembly is required which increases operator fatigue and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly and disassembly processVSAvoidfastener and attachment means

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element automatically secures the wire in the locked position through its own deformation when pushed by the wire, without requiring external tools or additional attachment means. The wire's insertion force itself triggers the locking mechanism, making the system self-servicing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention removes the separate fastener and attachment means from the connector structure, integrating the locking function directly into the locking element that is pushed by the wire itself, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional wire connectors are designed for predetermined wire lengths, then connection is secure, but wire relocation and replacement becomes complex requiring disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire length accommodationVSAvoidwire replacement process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to be dynamically movable during insertion, allowing it to flex and accommodate wires of varying lengths. Once the wire is inserted, the locking element deforms to lock the wire in place, providing both adaptability and secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of the connector adapting to fixed wire lengths, the locking element inverts the approach by allowing the wire to push and deform the locking element into its locked position, enabling easy wire replacement without complex disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If locking elements are made of electrically conductive material, then electrical contact is established between inner portions, but the locking mechanism must maintain electrical conductivity while providing mechanical locking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contactVSAvoidconductive locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element merges both the mechanical locking function and the electrical conduction function into a single component. The same conductive material that provides electrical contact also forms the locking structure, eliminating the need for separate electrical contacts and simplifying the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10424850B2Self-locking wire device and method of using the same

Publication Date: 2019.09.24 MAJOR JONATHAN

AI summary

The present invention relates to a self-locking wire device being adapted to receive at least one wire according to at least one insertion direction, the self-locking device comprises a housing being electrically insulating and a locking element being electrically conductive. The locking element comprises one or more bases extending all along an inner side of the housing and at least one locking portion being configured in a way to block any movement of the at least one wire in a direction being opposite to the insertion direction.