Triangular Bore Unitized Core Grip for Electrical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional unitized core grips for electrical connectors face difficulties in inserting and securely gripping steel core strands due to their restrictive cylindrical bore design, which leads to abrasion and splaying of strands, and insufficient retention of abrasive grit for keying.
Innovation Solution
A unitized core grip with a generally triangular center bore and deflectable web members, featuring axial grooves and a compressible design that allows for easier insertion and secure gripping of steel core strands by distributing compressive force effectively and retaining abrasive grit within the bore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional right circular cylindrical bore is used in the core grip, then the design is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the insertion of steel core strands becomes difficult and strands are abraded and splayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bore geometry from a symmetric right circular cylindrical shape to an asymmetric generally triangular shape. This asymmetric triangular bore provides larger clearance space that facilitates easier insertion of steel core strands while preventing abrasion and splaying, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and ease of insertion.
2Force
If the inner diameter of the core grip is close to the outer diameter of the conductor core, then the gripping force is enhanced, but the insertion of core strands becomes substantially difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bore cross-section into a triangular configuration with three lobes, creating a generally triangular bore. This segmentation provides increased clearance space for easier strand insertion while the three lobes can be compressed to deliver adequate gripping force, resolving the contradiction between gripping force and ease of insertion.
3Reliability
If abrasive grit is applied to enhance purchase between core grip and steel strands, then gripping security is improved, but the grit is scraped away and pushed out during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric triangular bore geometry provides larger clearance space compared to a cylindrical bore. This additional space prevents the abrasive grit from being scraped away and pushed out during insertion, allowing the grit to remain in place and provide secure gripping between the core grip and steel strands, resolving the contradiction between gripping security and loss of abrasive grit.
4Strength
If web members are made rigid to provide structural stability, then structural strength is improved, but compressive force distribution to move lobes radially inward is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces knee sections with initial outward propensity into the web members, making them dynamically responsive rather than purely rigid. These knee sections deflect outwardly during compression, allowing better force distribution to move the lobes radially inward into intimate gripping contact, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and compressive force distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A unitized core grip for an electrical connector includes a longitudinal shaft, a plurality of lobes connected by a plurality of web members, a generally triangular center bore, and a plurality of axial grooves. The core grip is defined by a plurality of longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced lobes, spaced about a longitudinal axis. The plurality of web members are spaced between and connecting the lobes. The generally triangular center bore is defined by the interior surfaces of the lobes and the web members, prior to compression for receiving a cable.