Universal Lock Joint Grounding Connector for Mixed Wire Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Figure 8 grounding connectors require multiple sizes to accommodate different wire and grounding rod combinations, leading to complex manufacturing and installation processes, as each combination needs to be individually tooled and stocked by manufacturers and installers.
Innovation Solution
A grounding connector with a symmetrical locking feature that allows for the mating of connectors with the same or different opening sizes, reducing the number of required size combinations by using a lock joint configuration with a protrusion and recess that can slide and deform to secure wires and rods, simplifying manufacturing and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of Figure 8 connectors are manufactured to accommodate different wire and grounding rod combinations, then the adaptability to different applications is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding connector is designed with a universal locking mechanism featuring a protrusion and recess configuration that allows connectors of different sizes to be joined together. The locking feature is configured to accommodate various wire and grounding rod combinations through a standardized interface, enabling one connector design to serve multiple functions across different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design separates the functional elements: the body accommodates different wire and grounding rod sizes, while the locking mechanism uses a standardized protrusion-recess interface. This segmentation allows the locking feature to be universal while the body dimensions can vary to suit different applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of Figure 8 connectors are manufactured for different combinations, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to individual tooling for each combination
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal locking mechanism with standardized protrusion and recess dimensions, the patent eliminates the need for individual tooling for each size combination. The same locking feature design can be applied across multiple connector sizes, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the locking mechanism design into a standardized template that can be applied across different connector sizes. This merging of the locking feature design reduces the number of unique manufacturing processes required, as the same locking geometry can be used for various wire and grounding rod combinations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of Figure 8 connectors are stocked by manufacturers and installers, then the adaptability to different applications is improved, but the quantity of inventory and complexity of selection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal locking mechanism allows a single connector design to work with multiple wire and grounding rod combinations, reducing the number of different connector sizes that need to be stocked. Installers can use the same locking feature across different applications, decreasing inventory requirements while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A grounding connector has a body including a first side, a second side, and a mid-section extending therebetween, with an opening extending through the body from the first side to the second side. The body of the grounding connector includes a lock joint configured to join the grounding connector with a second grounding connector, with the lock joint including a recess inset into the mid-section of the body and a protrusion adjacent the recess extending from the mid-section.