Splice Sleeve Retainer with Three Coupling Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Disconnectable joint busbars in electrical power transmission networks face challenges in maintaining secure and environmentally protected connections, particularly in confined spaces with exposure to moisture and contaminants, where existing sleeve retainers may fail to prevent sliding and ensure sealing.

Innovation Solution

A splice sleeve retainer with connecting straps and coupling members is designed to securely engage an electrical joint body and sleeve, preventing axial displacement and ensuring a tight seal by engaging at multiple axial locations, providing enhanced mechanical stability and sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple splice sleeve retainer is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing sleeve sliding off deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretainer structureVSAvoidsleeve retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer is divided into multiple coupling members (first, second, and third coupling members) spaced at different axial locations along the connecting strap. Each coupling member engages with different components (sleeve at first location, sleeve at second location, joint body at third location), distributing the retention function across segmented elements rather than a single complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer utilizes the axial dimension by positioning coupling members at three distinct axial locations along the connecting strap. This axial distribution creates multiple engagement points that work together to prevent sleeve displacement, adding dimensional complexity in a simple manner that enhances reliability without requiring complex radial or circumferential mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If multiple coupling members are used to prevent axial displacement, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidretainer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting strap serves as a universal structural element that supports multiple coupling members at different axial locations. This single component performs multiple functions: providing structural support, positioning coupling members axially, and transmitting forces between them. The coupling members themselves are similar in structure but perform different functions (engaging sleeve at first location, sleeve at second location, joint body at third location),体现ing multi-functionality that reduces overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the retainer engages at multiple axial locations, then the sealing effectiveness against environmental contaminants is improved, but the ease of installation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental protectionVSAvoidinstallation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting strap is pre-configured with coupling members at the correct axial spacings before installation. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the retainer is installed, the coupling members automatically engage at the proper locations (first coupling member with sleeve, second with sleeve nearer to leg, third with joint body), creating the sealed configuration without requiring complex alignment procedures during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9337632B2Splice sleeve retainer with three coupling members for securing a sleeve to an electrical joint body
Publication Date: 2016.05.10 TE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS GMBH

AI summary

A splice sleeve retainer for securing a sleeve to a leg of an electrical joint body has a retention axis and includes at least one connecting strap extending along the retention axis, and first, second and third coupling members secured to the at least one connecting strap at axially spaced apart locations along the at least one connecting strap. The splice sleeve retainer is configured such that, when the sleeve is installed on the leg and the splice sleeve retainer is installed on the sleeve: the first coupling member engages the sleeve at a first axial location; the second coupling member engages the sleeve at a second axial location nearer the leg than the first axial location; and the third coupling member engages the joint body to resist axial displacement of the sleeve relative to the leg.