Toolless Grounding Connector With Flexible Tabs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grounding electrical connectors are time-consuming to install, require multiple tools and fasteners, are expensive, and have complex components, making them difficult to use and costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A toolless and hardwareless grounding electrical connector with a unitary design featuring flexible tabs and varying groove sizes for conductor and support compatibility, allowing for quick and easy connection to supports of different thicknesses and conductor sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional grounding electrical connectors are used with fasteners and set screws, then secure connections are achieved, but installation time increases and multiple tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grounding connector body, conductor retention mechanism, and support attachment features into a single integrated unit. The connector includes integrated first and second legs with recesses that simultaneously receive both the support and conductor, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and set screws while maintaining secure connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to be self-installing without requiring external fasteners or specialized tools. The resilient legs and recesses automatically engage with the support and conductor upon insertion, allowing the installer to simply push the connector onto the support edge and into place without additional assembly steps.
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners and components are used, then connection integrity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single connector body: the legs provide both structural support and attachment mechanisms, the recesses simultaneously secure both the support and conductor, and the resilient features provide both mechanical retention and electrical contact. This reduces the system from multiple separate components to a single integrated device.
3Reliability
If traditional connectors with multiple fasteners are used, then secure fastening is achieved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector performs its own fastening function through its resilient legs that automatically engage and secure both the support and conductor upon insertion. The design eliminates the need for the installer to manually tighten set screws or assemble multiple fasteners, transforming a complex multi-step fastening process into a simple single-action installation.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise torques and specialized tools are required, then proper installation is ensured, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to self-adjust and self-secure upon insertion, with resilient legs that automatically engage at the correct force and position without requiring external tools or torque control. The geometry of the recesses and legs ensures proper alignment and secure engagement through the natural mechanics of insertion alone.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An electrical connector (11) includes a base member (14) and first (23) and second (38) legs extending outwardly from the base member. A first recess (26, 41) is defined by the first and second legs for receiving a support. Second recesses (27, 42) extend inwardly from second sides (25, 40) of the first and second legs. A plurality of pairs of oppositely disposed grooves (32-37) are formed in the second recesses. At least two pairs of the oppositely disposed grooves have different sizes for receiving various conductor sizes.