Heat-Shrinkable Semiconductor Sleeve for Cable Connector Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical cable connectors are vulnerable to damage due to the fragility of current protective elements, such as semi-conducting rubber plates, which can tear under pressure from screws or fixing elements, especially when a retractable sleeve is installed, leading to potential damage to the junction.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly featuring a protective sleeve made of heat-shrinkable semiconductor material that matches the shape of the connector, providing a preformed, elastic cover to safeguard the connector during assembly, allowing for tool-free and quick installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional protective elements (semiconducting rubber plates, copper or aluminum tapes) are used to protect the connector, then the connector is covered, but these protective elements are fragile and prone to tearing under pressure from screws or fixing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the protective element by using heat-shrinkable semiconductor material instead of traditional rubber plates or metal tapes. This material transformation provides both protective coverage and mechanical durability, resolving the contradiction between protection and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat-shrinkable material undergoes a phase transition when exposed to heat, shrinking to conform to the connector shape. This phase change enables the material to provide snug protection without tearing, even under screw pressure, thus resolving the fragility issue of traditional protective elements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a heat-shrink sleeve is installed over the connector to protect it, then protection is provided, but the heat-shrink sleeve exerts significant pressure on the connector that can break protective elements and damage other parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the material properties of the protective sleeve by using semiconductor material with appropriate elastic modulus and thickness (0.1-5mm). This allows the sleeve to provide protection while distributing pressure evenly, preventing damage to the connector and other components.
3Reliability
If a pre-formed protective sleeve is used to protect the connector, then protection and durability are improved, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-shrinkable material undergoes phase transition when heated, shrinking to fit the connector automatically. This self-adjusting property simplifies installation by eliminating the need for precise pre-forming or special tools, resolving the contradiction between protection and installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat-shrinkable sleeve performs self-adjustment through thermal contraction, automatically conforming to the connector shape without requiring external forming tools or complex alignment procedures. This self-service capability simplifies the installation process while maintaining protective reliability.
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
The heat-shrinkable semiconductor sleeve effectively protects the connector from mechanical stress, ensuring a robust and efficient electrical connection while maintaining ease of installation, thus enhancing the durability and reliability of the cable joint.
Implementation Method 1
a protective sleeve 12 made of a heat-shrinkable semiconductor material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
This connection assembly between two electrical cables (14) includes a connector (10) adapted to mechanically join the two electrical cables (14). It further includes a protective sleeve (12) made of heat-shrinkable semiconductor material disposed on the connector (10) and covering at least partially the connector (10), the protective sleeve (12) being pre-formed to conform to the shape of the connector (10).