Threaded Retainer Electrical Connector Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors for shielded cables require crimping tools for assembly, which can be cumbersome and may not provide a secure or sealed connection, and there is a need for a simpler and more reliable method to attach the retainer to the outer insulating jacket without damaging the cable.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connector with a retainer featuring a threaded bore that screws onto the outer insulating jacket of the cable, eliminating the need for crimping tools and providing a secure, sealed connection through threading, while also allowing for an electrical connection with the cable's shielding using a tubular shield element made of conductive material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If crimping is used to attach the retainer to the outer insulating jacket, then a secure connection can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires special crimping tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the crimping mechanical system with a threading system. Instead of deforming the retainer through crimping forces, the solution uses threaded engagement where the retainer is screwed onto the outer insulating jacket. This substitution eliminates the need for crimping tools and complex assembly processes while maintaining secure connection through the threaded interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If crimping tools are used for assembly, then a secure connection can be achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for special tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the crimping mechanical system with a threading system. Instead of deforming the retainer through crimping forces, the solution uses threaded engagement where the retainer is screwed onto the outer insulating jacket. This substitution eliminates the need for crimping tools and complex assembly processes while maintaining secure connection through the threaded interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the retainer is made of electrically conductive material for electrical connection, then electrical conductivity is improved, but the retainer may damage the cable during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidcable damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical engagement parameters by using a threading system instead of crimping. The threaded engagement distributes forces over a larger area and through controlled rotational motion, preventing the high localized stresses that would damage the cable. This allows the retainer to be made of electrically conductive material without causing cable damage during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables easy assembly of the electrical connector to a cable without crimping tools, ensures a secure mechanical and sealed connection, and provides a reliable electrical connection between the retainer and the cable's shielding, applicable to both shielded and unshielded cables.

Implementation Method 1

The retainer has a threaded bore adapted to be screwed onto the outer insulating jacket of the electric cable. When screwing the retainer onto the outer insulating jacket of the electric cable, the thread of the threaded bore cuts into the outer insulating jacket providing a secure fit of the retainer on the cable.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreading: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The retainer can be made of an electrically conductive material wherein the bore has a contact section adapted to be in contact to a shielding of the cable. Hence, the retainer is adapted for an electrical connection between the retainer and the shielding of the cable.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3336970B1Electrical connector and method of assembling an electrical connector to a cable
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 YAZAKI EUROPE LTD
  • EP3336970B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3336970B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3336970B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Electrical connector comprising: a retainer 2 with a bore 6, said retainer 2 being adapted to be mounted onto an outer insulating jacket 7 of an electric cable 1, a cavity block 3 having a plurality of cavities 13, 13' adapted to accommodate electrical terminals 10, 10' connected to electrical conductors 18 of wires 9, 9' of the cable 1, a tubular shield element 4 made of an electrically conductive material and accommodating said retainer 2 and said cavity block 3, wherein said retainer 2 has a threaded bore 6 adapted to be screwed onto the outer insulating jacket 7 of the electric cable 1.