Split-Lock Nut for Wire Bundles Without Unwiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric connector assembly methods require unwiring the bundle to install a locking nut, are complex, and do not facilitate easy grounding of wires.
Innovation Solution
An electric connector accessory comprising a cylindrical accessory body with two half-nuts that can be assembled laterally without unwiring, using a clip-fastening mechanism and a grounding lug, allowing for simplified installation and grounding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking nut is installed before wiring the bundle, then the connector body can be locked, but the wires cannot be properly connected to the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The locking nut is divided into two half-nuts that can be assembled separately around the wire bundle and then joined together. This segmentation allows the nut to be installed after wiring without requiring disassembly of the complete nut, resolving the contradiction between locking reliability and wiring ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly operation transitions from a linear sequence (nut installation before wiring) to a three-dimensional approach where half-nuts are positioned on opposite sides of the bundle and joined radially. This dimensional change enables post-wiring assembly while maintaining secure locking.
2Reliability
If the wiring bundle is unwired to install the locking nut, then the nut can be properly positioned, but assembly time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The two half-nuts are prepared and positioned in advance on opposite sides of the wire bundle before assembly. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming disassembly and reassembly operations, maintaining both positioning accuracy and assembly speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly process uses a dynamic joining mechanism where the half-nuts are connected through a pivoting motion with arm sliding in notch, allowing quick and flexible assembly without rigid fixed sequences, thereby improving productivity while ensuring proper positioning.
3Reliability
If a complete locking nut is used, then the connector can be locked, but the structure becomes complex and requires multiple parts for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking nut is segmented into two half-nuts that can be assembled independently and then joined together. This segmentation simplifies the assembly process by allowing each half-nut to be positioned separately around the wire bundle, reducing the complexity of handling a single large nut while maintaining locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The two half-nuts are merged through a clip-fastening connection with arm sliding in notch mechanism, creating a unified locking structure after separate positioning. This merging approach maintains the simplicity of individual components while achieving the functional integrity of a complete nut.
4Ease of operation
If the accessory body is installed after wiring, then wiring operations can be completed first, but the accessory must be able to accommodate the wired bundle
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory body is divided into two half-shells that can be positioned independently around the wired bundle. This segmentation provides adaptability to accommodate bundles of various sizes and configurations after wiring is complete, while the clip-fastening mechanism ensures secure assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory body dimensions and opening configuration are designed to accommodate the wired bundle's parameters (diameter, shape). The half-shell design with adjustable clip-fastening allows the accessory to adapt to different bundle parameters while maintaining proper fit and security.
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
Enables quick and straightforward assembly of electric connectors without unwiring the wire bundle and provides effective grounding, reducing assembly time and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
during a relative pivoting movement about a radial pivot axis, the arm of a half-nut slides in the notch of the other half-nut
Implementation Method 2
The component material of the flange is provided with elastic properties. The front part of the flange is open, this front part being C-shaped, the two mutually confronting lips of which are separated by a distance, determined in such a way that, when the said part is subjected to a gripping force, the lips can approach one another, by an elastic effect, sufficiently to allow the said front part of the flange to be inserted into the ring
Data Source
AI summary
An electric connector accessory for a bundle of conductor wires, constituted by an accessory body (2) and by a nut (3). The nut is constituted by two half-nuts (15, 16) that are separated by an axial plane and that can be assembled together by clip-fastening, and the accessory body (2) is suitable for being applied laterally against the bundle of wires, and for being held by locking the nut (3) onto the connector.