Strut End Block and Connector with Rotating Locking Cams
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical bus systems face challenges in maintaining insulation between conductor wires, leading to potential shorts and safety risks during installation and maintenance due to exposed conductors at the ends of strut assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A strut assembly with an integrated end block and connector system that includes an insulator, conductor wires, and a rotatable locking cam mechanism to securely connect strut assemblies, ensuring continuous insulation and safe electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conductor wires are exposed and cantilevered out from the protective insulator at the ends of strut assemblies to permit connection, then ease of connection is improved, but safety deteriorates due to risk of electrical shorts and contact with exposed conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The end block is nested within the strut assembly, providing an enclosed space that receives and protects the conductor wire ends. This nesting structure allows the conductors to be accessible for connection while being contained within a protective boundary, eliminating the need for exposed cantilevered conductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The end block acts as an intermediary component between the insulator and the external connection environment. It provides a controlled interface where conductor connections can be made safely, mediating between the need for accessibility and the need for protection against electrical hazards.
2Ease of operation
If conductor wires are exposed at the ends of strut assemblies, then connection accessibility is improved, but insulation reliability deteriorates due to potential electrical shorts
Solution Approach 1:
The end block nested within the strut assembly creates a controlled environment that maintains insulation reliability while providing connection accessibility. The nesting structure ensures that conductor ends remain contained and protected throughout the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The end block provides a protective enclosure that maintains insulation integrity. This shell-like structure surrounds the conductor ends, preventing electrical shorts while allowing for safe and accessible connections to be made.
3Adaptability or versatility
If exposed conductors are left at the end of a bus system run, then installation flexibility is improved, but safety deteriorates due to unintentional exposure without connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The end block nested within the strut assembly provides a universal solution that maintains safety regardless of whether a connector is ultimately attached. The nesting structure ensures conductor protection in all scenarios, providing installation flexibility without compromising safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The end block provides beforehand protection for conductor ends, cushioning against potential safety hazards before any connection is made or before the strut run ends. This prior protection ensures that even if conductors remain exposed due to incomplete installation, safety is maintained.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a strut end condition, end block, and connector are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system including a series of strut assemblies is provided, comprising: two strut assemblies oriented end-to-end, each including: a strut; an insulator; at least one conductor wire; and an end block oriented within an end of the strut, the end block nesting within the strut; a connector spanning a junction created by adjacent ends of the two strut assemblies, the connector including: an upper housing having at least conductor element having vertical elements at opposing ends; a lower housing, the lower housing including: two lower housing wings, and rotatable locking cams oriented on each of the lower housing wings, the rotatable locking cams having two opposing flat sides and two opposing rounded ends; wherein the locking cams are rotatable to engage the connector with each of the two strut assemblies.