Strain Relief Connector Assembly for Flexible Electrical Wiring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing strain relief connector assemblies for flexible electrical wiring face challenges in providing a sealed connection while also effectively managing strain relief, particularly for flexible conduits, which can lead to issues like contamination and pullout of wiring.

Innovation Solution

A strain relief connector assembly that includes an adapter configured to form a sealed connection and a strain relieving device with connecting features, utilizing a compressible bushing and tightening members to separate sealing and strain relief functions, and optionally incorporating an arc of bend control mesh to prevent pullout and ensure a secure fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single connector assembly is used for flexible electrical wiring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sealing performance and strain relief performance cannot both be optimized simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector assembly structureVSAvoidsealing and strain relief performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly is divided into separate functional components: a connector body for electrical connection, a sealed adapter for environmental sealing, and a strain relief device for mechanical protection. Each component performs its specific function optimally without compromising the others, resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and dual-performance reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealed adapter acts as an intermediary component between the connector body and the strain relief device, and also between the flexible wiring and the rigid connector. This intermediary element provides the sealed connection that allows both strain relief and sealing functions to coexist without direct interference, maintaining reliability while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible electrical wiring is used for utility supply, then the adaptability and ease of installation are improved, but the risk of contamination and pullout increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring flexibilityVSAvoidcontamination and pullout risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sealed adapter serves as a protective intermediary that shields the flexible wiring from environmental contamination while allowing the wiring to maintain its flexibility and adaptability for various installation scenarios. The strain relief device acts as another intermediary that prevents pullout forces from acting directly on the flexible wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The strain relief device provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and distributing mechanical stresses before they can affect the flexible wiring. This preventive measure protects against pullout and damage while allowing the wiring to remain flexible and adaptable for installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If strain relief is provided at the sealed connection, then the protection against pullout is improved, but the complexity of the connection assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrain relief and pullout preventionVSAvoidconnection assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection assembly is segmented into modular components where the strain relief device is a separate, standardized element that can be attached to the sealed adapter. This segmentation allows strain relief functionality to be added without redesigning the entire connection assembly, managing complexity through modularity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealed adapter is designed with universal features that accommodate both the connector body and the strain relief device. This multi-functionality allows the same adapter structure to support strain relief without requiring additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in overall assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reliable sealed connection that prevents contamination and strain relief, meeting or exceeding industrial standards for protection against various environmental factors and ensuring secure attachment of flexible electrical wiring.

Implementation Method 1

compress a bushing between the connector and the first side of the adapter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS10141684B2Strain relief connector assemblies for electrical wiring

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 HUBBELL INC

AI summary

A strain relief connector assembly for flexible electrical wiring is provided that includes an adapter that is configured to form a sealed connection to the wiring and a connector and to form a connection with a strain relieving device, which can include an arc of bend control mesh.