Universal Strain Relief Element for Electrical Installation Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing strain relief solutions for electric lines are limited by their compatibility with specific box models and the number of available stubs, requiring different types of strain relief stubs for various box configurations, which restricts the number of line inlets that can be secured with sufficient strain relief.

Innovation Solution

A strain relief element designed to be inserted into and fastened to any electrical installation pipe connector, regardless of size, using a tubular body with uniform outer surface and locking mechanisms, allowing for secure attachment to various connectors, including separate stubs and extension sleeves, and featuring adjustable projections and a sealing mechanism for versatile use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate stub parisons with specific grooves are used to fasten strain relief stubs, then the strain relief can be securely fastened to the box, but different box models require different types of strain relief stubs and the number of available mounting positions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrain relief fastening securityVSAvoidcompatibility with different box models
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The strain relief element is designed with a universal outer surface that can engage with any electrical installation pipe connector regardless of box model. The element can be inserted into and fastened to various connectors including separate stubs and fixed stubs, making it compatible with different box configurations without requiring model-specific variants.

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

2Reliability

If threaded parts are used to attach the lead-in element to the electric box, then the strain relief can be securely fastened, but the electric box must have specific openings with corresponding threads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrain relief fastening securityVSAvoidcompatibility with different box opening configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The strain relief element is designed to engage with the pipe connector itself rather than requiring specific openings in the box. The element can be inserted into and fastened to any electrical installation pipe connector, making it compatible with various box types without requiring pre-drilled holes or specific thread configurations.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If a uniform tubular body with locking mechanisms is used for the strain relief element, then it can be inserted and fastened to any pipe connector, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with various pipe connectorsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of locking mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanisms are integrated within the tubular body structure of the strain relief element. The projections and locking features are formed as part of the molded body rather than separate components, allowing the element to be produced in a single injection molding process while maintaining universal compatibility with pipe connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2744060B1Strain relief element and method of producing electrical installation accessories
Publication Date: 2018.10.03 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP2744060B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2744060B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2744060B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A strain relief element having a front end (11) and a rear end (12) and comprising a tubular body part (20) and strain relief means (30) arranged to engage to an electric line to be pushed through the strain relief element (10) in a direction from the rear end (12) to the front end (11), and to prevent movement of the electric line through the strain relief element (10) in a direction from the front end (11) to the rear end (12), the strain relief element (10) being arranged to be inserted, with the front end (11) ahead, into an electrical installation pipe connector (200) and to be fastened thereto.