Spring IDC Connector for Multicore Cable Shield Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for grounding the shield of multicore cables are complex and difficult to implement, requiring soldering or complex structures, making them inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector with a spring terminal and Insulation Displacement Connection (IDC) terminal that allows for simple, fast, and efficient grounding of the multicore cable shield, enabling connection at any point along the cable length without preliminary stripping of the ground wire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-component connectors with strain relief clips and actuators are used to ground the shield, then the shield can be grounded, but the connector structure becomes complex and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring terminal and IDC terminal into a single integrated connector body. The spring terminal engages the shield while the IDC terminal terminates the ground wire, both functions achieved through one connector component rather than multiple separate components. This merging eliminates the need for complex actuators and strain relief clips while maintaining reliable shield grounding.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: the spring terminal provides mechanical engagement and electrical contact with the shield, the IDC terminal provides insulation displacement connection for the ground wire, and the integrated structure provides both grounding and cable support functions. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If ground terminals are soldered to connect the copper braid shield to ground, then the shield can be grounded, but the connection becomes difficult to realize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the soldering process with a mechanical connection system. The spring terminal mechanically engages the shield and the IDC terminal mechanically terminates the ground wire through insulation displacement, eliminating the need for thermal soldering processes. This substitution makes the connection easier to implement while maintaining reliable electrical grounding.
Solution Approach 2:
The IDC terminal performs insulation displacement automatically during insertion, cutting through the wire insulation and establishing electrical contact without requiring preliminary stripping or preparation of the ground wire. The spring terminal similarly self-engages with the shield through its elastic deformation, making the entire grounding process self-service and easier to manufacture.
3Ease of manufacture
If preliminary stripping or treatment of the ground wire is required before connection, then the wire can be connected, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The IDC terminal is pre-configured with cutting edges that automatically perform the insulation stripping action during the connection process itself. The terminal design incorporates the stripping function as an inherent part of the insertion operation, eliminating the need for separate preliminary stripping steps and increasing assembly productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground wire connects to the IDC terminal through a self-service mechanism where the terminal itself performs the insulation displacement and electrical contact establishment in a single insertion motion. This self-service capability eliminates manual stripping and preparation steps, significantly improving assembly speed and productivity.
4Ease of operation
If the connector is designed for specific cable positions, then the connection can be made, but the wire length cannot be optimized for further connection
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to perform both shield engagement and ground wire termination functions universally, allowing installation at any position along the cable length. The spring terminal and IDC terminal configuration enables the connector to adapt to different cable positions while maintaining proper electrical connections, providing flexibility for wire length optimization in various application scenarios.
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 solution provides a compact, easy-to-handle connector that ensures stable and efficient grounding of the multicore cable shield, reducing the risk of electrostatic discharges and simplifying the assembly process, especially in high-voltage applications.
Implementation Method 1
a spring terminal (110) for engaging the shield (210)
Implementation Method 2
an Insulation Displacement Connection (IDC) terminal (120), wherein the IDC terminal is configured for terminating a ground wire (250)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure refers to an electrical connector (100) for grounding a shielded multicore cable (200), wherein the electrical connector (100) comprises a spring terminal (110) for engaging and clamping the shield (210) of the multicore cable (200) and an Insulation Displacement Connection IDC (120) terminal for terminating a ground wire (250), so that the shield (210) is grounded through the electrical connector (100, 110, 160). The present disclosure further refers to a connection system comprising the electrical connector (100) for grounding a shielded multicore cable (200) and a support element (300) for accommodating the shielded multicore cable (200) and the ground wire (250), wherein the support element (300) guides the displacement of the electrical connector (100) so as to simplify the connection process between the multicore cable (200) and the ground wire (250).