Strain Relief Assembly Grooves and Protrusions for Wire Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strain relief mechanisms for electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breakers, face challenges in consistently securing wires due to variability in securing components, which can fail under heat and energy conditions, leading to potential hazards.
Innovation Solution
A strain relief assembly comprising a cover and base with grooves and protrusions that redirect and secure wires, providing consistent retention and resistance against dislodgment, ensuring compliance with industry standards by maintaining wires in place even under weight application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional securing components (zip-ties, wires, string) are used to secure wires exiting circuit breakers, then the wires can be held in place, but the securing mechanism fails under heat and energy conditions, and requires removal and reattachment during testing or adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wire securing function directly into the circuit breaker housing structure by forming grooves and protrusions as integral features of the housing. This eliminates the need for separate securing components like zip-ties or wires, while maintaining secure wire retention that withstands heat and energy conditions without requiring removal or reattachment during testing or adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure provides self-service wire securing through its built-in grooves and protrusions. The grooves receive and guide the wires, while the protrusions apply securing force, creating a self-contained wire management system that does not require external components or manual intervention for securing during normal operation and testing.
2Reliability
If multiple securing components are used to hold wires, then the wires can be secured, but the number of components that can fail or differ from setup to setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple securing functions into a single integrated housing structure. The grooves and protrusions work together as unified features of the housing, eliminating the need for multiple separate securing components. This reduces the number of parts that can fail or vary between setups while maintaining consistent wire securing across all installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, electrical insulation, and wire securing through its integrated grooves and protrusions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated securing components, reducing overall component count and improving reliability while maintaining consistent performance across all setups.
3Force
If additional securing components are used, then wires can be held securely, but the uniformity of each setup varies as securing mechanisms do not apply equal force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the force application mechanism into the housing structure itself. The protrusions, as integral features of the housing, apply securing force uniformly to the wires received in the grooves. This ensures consistent force application across all wire securing points without variation between setups, as the force is determined by the fixed geometry of the housing features rather than variable external components.
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical switching apparatus and strain relief assemblies therefor are described herein. In one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, a strain relief assembly includes a cover and a base, each of which include a number of grooves structured to receive a number of wires. Each groove has a first side and a second side, where the second side is located opposite the first side. Furthermore, located on the first side and/or the second side are a number of protrusions. The grooves and the protrusions serve to secure the number of wires within the strain relief assembly such that, if a force is applied to an end of the wire, the protrusions work to retain the wires with the assembly.