Detachable Snap-In Fitting for Reusable Exterior Cable Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical fittings for connecting flexible metal cables to junction boxes often make it difficult to disengage the cable and connector after connection, requiring removal from inside the junction box and lacking reusability.
Innovation Solution
A detachable snap-in fitting with a main body and split rings, where a front split ring secures to the junction box and a rear split ring grips the cable, allowing easy removal by twisting off from the exterior, with optional wire protection and reusability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If connectors engage the corrugated cover and junction box together to firmly secure the cable, then connection strength is improved, but disengagement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate components: a settable connector that remains in the junction box and a detachable fitting that attaches to the cable. This segmentation allows the connection to be strong when assembled while enabling easy disconnection by simply removing the detachable fitting from the exterior, without needing to access the junction box interior.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing a connector that is set from the interior of the junction box and difficult to remove, the invention inverts the approach by providing a detachable fitting that is attached to the cable exterior and can be easily removed from the outside. The disengagement mechanism is accessed from the opposite side (exterior rather than interior) to simplify the removal process.
2Reliability
If the connector is designed for firm engagement, then connection reliability is improved, but reusability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the connector into a permanent settable connector and a removable detachable fitting, the system maintains reliable connection through the settable connector while enabling reusability through the detachable fitting. The detachable fitting can be removed and reused on different cables or locations, whereas the settable connector remains as a reliable anchor point in the junction box.
3Strength
If the fitting requires removal from inside the junction box for disengagement, then connection strength is maintained, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disengagement function is extracted from the interior of the junction box and moved to the exterior through the detachable fitting. This allows the fitting to be removed from the outside without disturbing the settable connector inside the junction box, simplifying the installation and maintenance process while maintaining connection strength through the remaining settable connector.
4Ease of operation
If the slot extends to the outer surface allowing tool access, then disengagement ease is improved, but structural integrity may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into a settable connector with a slot for tool access and a separate detachable fitting. The slot in the settable connector allows a tool to engage and manipulate the detachable fitting from the exterior, providing easy disengagement while the segmented design protects the overall structural integrity by keeping the main connection point robust.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a fitting having a main body including a distal end and a proximal end, and a first split ring coupled to the distal end of the main body, wherein the first split ring includes an opening for receiving a main tab along an outer surface of the main body, and wherein the first split ring includes a set of disengagement tabs on opposite sides of a slot. The fitting may further include a second split ring within an interior of the main body, wherein the second split ring comprises a set of interior arms operable to engage a sheath of a cable.