Universal Cable Lug Connection with Adjustable Recesses

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical cable connection methods require multiple connection means for different cable configurations, leading to increased complexity and cost, and do not efficiently manage high current densities.

Innovation Solution

A connection arrangement where a cable lug's end area is accommodated in a receiving area of a cable lug, with a screw passing through, and connected to a socket in a force-fitting, form-fitting, and material-locking manner, allowing for either one or two cable lugs to be connected to a socket, using a composite part with a cover plate, and optionally a second mirror-inverted cable lug for increased current capacity, made from insulating materials like plastic or metal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different connection means are used for different cable configurations, then the adaptability to different cable arrangements is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different cable arrangementsVSAvoidnumber of different connection means
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection means is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different cable configurations through a standardized interface. The housing with recesses and cover plates can accept one or two cable lugs in various arrangements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connection means for different cable setups

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a standardized connection means is used for all configurations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different cable arrangements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of different connection meansVSAvoidadaptability to different cable arrangements
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection means incorporates dynamic configurability through removable cover plates and adjustable recess configurations. The housing can dynamically adapt its internal structure to accommodate either one cable lug or two cable lugs, or different cable orientations, maintaining versatility while using a single standardized component design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If only one cable lug is connected per socket, then the device complexity is reduced, but the current capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection configurationVSAvoidcurrent capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The connection means allows dynamic configuration where the number of cable lugs per socket can be adjusted based on current requirements. The housing design with multiple recesses and removable cover plates enables the user to connect either one or two cable lugs to each socket, providing flexibility to increase current capacity when needed while maintaining simplicity when lower capacity suffices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables a versatile and cost-effective connection system that can handle varying energy demands with a minimal number of parts, providing reliable electrical contact and increased insulation distance, while allowing for high current density and easy production.

Implementation Method 1

a screw in each case being passed through a respective lug area of the respective cable lug, wherein the respective screw is screw-connected to a respective socket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

the respective depression being delimited by the respective connection means and the respective cover plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 3

with one respective recess being formed in the connection means, in particular in the socket, which is at least partially covered by a respective cover plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3350880B1Assembly for connecting the cables of an electric cable and electrical equipment with said assembly
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3350880B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3350880B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3350880B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Arrangement for connecting the lines of an electric cable, in particular a three-phase cable, wherein an end region of the respective line is received in a receiving region of a respective cable shoe and in each case one screw is guided through a respective tab region of the respective cable shoe, wherein the respective screw is screw-connected to a respective bush, in particular a sleeve, which is connected to a connection means, in particular which is connected to a connection means in a force-fitting, form-fitting and/or integrally bonded manner, the latter being embodied together in particular as a composite part, wherein a respective depression is formed in the connection means and is either at least partially covered by a respective covering plate on which the respective cable shoe, in particular the receiving region of the respective cable shoe, is placed, in particular wherein the respective depression is delimited by the respective connection means and the respective covering plate, or is at least partially covered by the respective cable shoe, in particular by the receiving region of the respective cable shoe, in particular wherein the respective depression is delimited by the respective connection means and the cable shoe, in particular the receiving region of the cable shoe, wherein a further cable shoe can be received in the depression formed in the connection means.