Split Connector With Circular Dove Tail For Rigid Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bolted connectors face challenges in connecting electrical cables with thick, rigid, or sectorial shapes, especially when cables are fixed and difficult to bend, leading to space constraints and misalignment issues, and they often require larger sizes due to less conductivity compared to crimped connectors.
Innovation Solution
A compact bolted connector design featuring a split configuration with two cylindrical bodies that can be mechanically coupled laterally, incorporating structured surfaces for improved cable fixation and a coupler with a dovetail profile for flexible orientation, allowing for efficient clamping and electrical contact through a coupling bolt and electrical contact elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional bolted connectors use a single body with threaded holes for bolts, then the connector can provide mechanical coupling, but the connector body must be made from hard conducting material which reduces electrical conductivity and requires larger size
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is divided into two separate bodies (first body and second body) that are mechanically coupled together. This segmentation allows each body to be optimized for its specific function - providing mechanical strength while maintaining electrical conductivity through the coupling mechanism rather than requiring the entire body to be hard conducting material.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector uses different materials for different components - the connector bodies can be made from softer, more conductive materials while the coupling elements (coupler and cavity) provide the mechanical strength. This composite approach allows achieving both high electrical conductivity and sufficient mechanical coupling strength without requiring the entire connector to be made from hard conducting material.
2Volume of moving object
If the connector uses a compact design with fixed cable insertion positions, then the connector size is reduced, but cables with different orientations or sector shapes cannot be connected
Solution Approach 1:
The connector introduces a dynamic coupling mechanism where the second body can be inserted laterally into the first body through a cavity and coupler system. This dynamic insertion method allows the connector to adapt to different cable orientations and sector shapes while maintaining a compact overall size, as the coupling mechanism can accommodate various angular positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a single-dimensional linear insertion approach to a multi-dimensional coupling system. The second body can be inserted laterally from different directions and orientations into the cavity of the first body, enabling connection of cables with varying orientations without increasing the connector's footprint.
3Strength
If cables are inserted through bores in the connector body, then mechanical coupling is achieved, but cables that are fixed or difficult to bend cannot be connected
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses a dynamic lateral insertion mechanism where the second body is coupled to the first body through a cavity and coupler system. This allows cables to be connected by sliding the second body laterally along the cable length rather than requiring the cable to be bent into a bore, making it possible to connect fixed or rigid cables that cannot be easily manipulated.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector is disclosed. The electrical connector has a first body and a second body. The second body is mechanically coupled to the first body in a coupling state and enters the coupling state through a lateral side of the first body.