Wire Connector With Central Tab And Ribs For Multi-Cable Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire connectors for electrical boxes are inadequate in securely holding multiple cables, particularly failing to maintain grip under weight and temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A wire connector design featuring a body with exterior sloped wall members, an annular exterior stop, a central tab with integrated ribs, and multifunction tab members that apply pressure and friction to securely hold one or two cables, capable of withstanding significant hanging weight without slipping, even at extreme temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing wire connectors are used to secure multiple cables, then the connector structure is simple, but the connector fails to maintain secure grip under weight and temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The wire connector is segmented into multiple functional components: a body with interior wall, a central tab with hinge portion, exterior sloped wall members, annular exterior stop member, and integrated tab ribs. Each segment performs a specific function - the central tab applies pinching force, the interior ribs provide friction grip, the exterior stop prevents over-insertion, and the sloped walls facilitate cable entry. This segmentation allows the connector to maintain reliable grip on multiple cables while managing structural complexity through functional specialization.
2Force
If a wire connector applies sufficient pressure to secure cables under 37 lbs weight, then the connector provides reliable holding force, but the connector may damage cable sheathing
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure application is localized to specific regions through the central tab and integrated tab ribs, which concentrate the pinching force on the cable surface without requiring excessive overall force. The interior ribs are positioned to create friction grip at specific contact points, distributing the holding force locally rather than applying uniform pressure throughout. This local quality approach enables the connector to secure cables under 37 lbs weight while minimizing damage to cable sheathing through controlled, localized pressure zones.
3Quantity of substance
If the wire connector uses a single central tab for pressure application, then the connector structure is simple, but the connector cannot securely hold two cables simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The central tab serves multiple functions: it applies pinching force to secure cables, acts as a lever arm for force multiplication through its hinge connection, and provides a mounting structure for the multifunction tab member. The integrated tab ribs on the central tab create additional friction contact points that work together with the interior ribs to secure multiple cables simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows a single central tab structure to securely hold two cables without requiring separate pressure application mechanisms for each cable.
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
The wire connector effectively secures one or two cables, maintaining grip under 37 lbs. of weight at room temperature and -25°C, and 30 lbs. with two cables, without damaging the cable sheathing, thus addressing the limitations of existing connectors.
Implementation Method 1
the central tab 9 has a proximal surface 71 that is flat and sloped to assist in the threading of a cable through the wire connector 51, and an activated state (FIG. 4) in which the multifunction tab member 18, 68 creates a secondary spring function in the central tab 59
Implementation Method 2
The integrated tab ribs 61 are disposed in an undulating profile facing said inner ribs 62... capable of withstanding at least 37 lbs. of hanging weight attached to a first cable inserted and secured in the wire connector 51
Data Source
AI summary
An improved wire connector is provided that allows for securing one, two, or more cables in an electrical box knockout hole. The wire connector body interior includes a central tab with a hinge for exerting pressure against at least a first/tab cable. The central tab also has a gripping portion for gripping the tab cable without cutting its sheathing. In preferred embodiments, the central tab further includes a multifunction tab member, such as a multifunction knob or multifunction bumpers, which provides inter alia a secondary spring function for applying added pressure on an inserted tab cable, especially when a second/wall cable is inserted. The wire connector body contains ribs on the inner wall facing the central tab gripping portion for gripping a wall cable without cutting its insulation. The wire connector body also contains a longitudinal slot for easy installation or removal from an electrical box.