Tool-Free Electrical Connector With Spring Ring Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrical connectors require tools for installation and removal, making the process time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially when connecting or disconnecting electrical cables to junction boxes or panels.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a spring ring, shell, and block with insertion tabs and clamping features that allow for tool-free snap engagement and locking into panels, enabling easy connection and disconnection of cables without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connectors with threaded noses and locknuts are used, then secure connection to panels is achieved, but installation and removal require tools and are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a connector body with a leading end for panel engagement and a trailing end for cable engagement. The leading end features a push-fit mechanism with internal gripping elements that segment the connection function, allowing tool-free installation while maintaining secure attachment through distributed gripping forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs dynamic elements including spring-loaded gripping structures and movable internal components that adapt during insertion and engagement. The spring mechanism provides progressive engagement force, allowing the connector to transition from insertion to locked position dynamically, ensuring secure connection without requiring threading or tool assistance.
2Loss of time
If snap engagement connectors are used to eliminate tools, then installation speed improves, but significant effort is required to snap into panel apertures
Solution Approach 1:
The connector utilizes dimensional transition by incorporating a tapered or angled leading end that converts lateral insertion force into axial engagement force. This geometric transformation allows the connector to engage panel apertures more easily by distributing the required force across a longer insertion path, reducing peak force requirements while maintaining snap-engagement speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs parameter changes through variable cross-sectional geometry along its length, with the leading end featuring reduced stiffness or increased flexibility compared to the body. This gradient in mechanical properties allows easier initial engagement while maintaining structural integrity and secure connection upon full insertion, reducing the force barrier without sacrificing connection strength.
3Reliability
If traditional screw-based cable securing is used, then reliable cable retention is achieved, but the process requires screwdrivers and is labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates self-gripping cable retention mechanisms at the trailing end, where spring-loaded clamps or deformable gripping elements automatically engage the cable upon insertion. The cable itself activates the retention mechanism through its presence, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations with tools while ensuring reliable retention through continuous spring pressure or friction-based gripping.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional screw-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with a spring-loaded or friction-based retention mechanism. The spring mechanism provides continuous retention force without requiring rotational fastening, substituting the screwdriver-operated threaded connection with a direct insertion-activated elastic retention system that achieves comparable reliability with significantly improved ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If connectors are designed for tool-free operation, then labor cost reduces, but connection strength and security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs composite construction combining materials with different mechanical properties: a rigid connector body for structural strength and panel engagement, combined with flexible or elastomeric gripping elements for cable retention and aperture engagement. This composite approach allows tool-free operation through the flexible elements while the rigid body maintains connection strength and security comparable to traditional metal connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: panel engagement features, cable retention mechanisms, and grounding pathways are combined in one component. The leading end integrates push-fit aperture engagement with internal grounding contacts, while the trailing end combines cable gripping with strain relief, achieving tool-free operation across all functions while maintaining overall connection strength through unified structural design.
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 connector significantly reduces installation and removal time and effort, providing quick and secure connections while maintaining good electrical continuity and grounding, and can be used with standard electrical junction boxes and panels.
Implementation Method 1
The insertion tabs springingly retain the spring ring in the through opening of the shell
Implementation Method 2
The insertion tabs of the spring ring having hook latches extending past the block to snappingly lock the connector in the panel when axially pressed into the aperture
Implementation Method 3
a first clamping tab and a second clamping tab clampably lock the cable in the connector
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a connector for connecting an electrical cable to an aperture in an electrical panel. The assembled connector has a spring ring, a shell, and a block along a longitudinal axis. The spring ring has a base from which two insertion tabs extend coaxial with the axis. The block has a joining wall and a springing feature. The shell has a through opening coaxial with the axis. The insertion tabs retain the spring ring in the shell's through opening, and the springing feature retains the block in the shell's through opening. The insertion tabs of the spring ring have hook latches extending past the block that lock the connector in the panel. And the base of the spring ring has a hole to receive the cable where first and second clamping tabs clampably lock the cable in the connector.