Wire Connector Fixing Mechanism for Electrical Feedthroughs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for fixing connectors to electrical bushings using deformable materials like spring steel face issues with resistance and permanent deformation due to excessive pressure during assembly and disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a compressible material envelope with two legs and a transverse part that abuts against the connector, utilizing friction and compression to securely attach the connector to the bushing, allowing for easy assembly and accommodating dimensional variations through pivoting and flexible components like a rounded rib or V-fold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a coil spring is used to fix the connector, then the device can be assembled, but the spring deforms permanently due to excessive pressure during assembly and disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidspring strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is divided into two functional parts: a rigid wire structure providing mechanical strength and a separate compressible envelope providing flexibility and friction-based fixation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines a rigid wire material (providing structural strength) with a compressible envelope material (providing flexibility and friction). This composite structure resolves the contradiction by having the rigid part bear mechanical loads while the compliant envelope absorbs deformation stresses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If excessive pressure is applied during assembly, then the connector can be fixed securely, but the spring material deforms permanently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidmaterial stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the fixing system by introducing a compressible envelope that can vary its compression level. This allows the system to achieve reliable fixation through controlled compression of the envelope rather than excessive force on a rigid spring, maintaining material stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The compressible envelope acts as a flexible shell that surrounds the rigid wire structure. This flexible shell provides the necessary compliance to accommodate assembly variations and dimensional tolerances without permanent deformation, while the rigid core maintains structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If a rigid fixing device is used, then the structure is strong, but the assembly process requires significant effort and skill

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidinstallation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces dynamic elements to an otherwise rigid structure. The compressible envelope can dynamically adjust its compression level during assembly, allowing the device to be installed with minimal effort while maintaining strong fixation once assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The compressible envelope serves as an intermediary between the rigid wire structure and the connector. It mediates the interaction by providing a compliant interface that reduces installation effort while transmitting the necessary fixation force from the rigid structure to the connector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Volume of moving object

If the fixing device is made compact, then the mounting position size is reduced, but the assembly process becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid wire structure is nested within the compressible envelope, creating a compact integrated assembly. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall volume of the fixing device while maintaining the functional independence of both components during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution provides a strong, easy-to-assemble, cost-effective, and compact fixing mechanism that compensates for dimensional discrepancies and reduces installation effort, ensuring robust attachment without significant deformation.

Implementation Method 1

the part in question is able to fix the connector with friction and compression of a part of its envelope, during a pivoting of this part around said hooking orifices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

compression of a part of its envelope

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

This rounded part allows by its flexibility and its deformation the passage of the transverse part towards the groove, while ensuring a solid maintenance of this part once put in place in the groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3514891A1Device for attaching a connector to an electric crossmember
Publication Date: 2019.07.24 NEXANS SA
  • EP3514891A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3514891A1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP3514891A1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for securing a connector (1) with a compressible material casing to an electrical feedthrough (2), comprising a part (3) made of a wire having two legs (3A, 3B), each equipped with a hook (3C, 3D) for attachment to a respective attachment hole (4) provided on the electrical feedthrough (2). These legs (3A, 3B) meet at a transverse portion (3E) adapted to abut against the top of the connector (1) opposite the attachment holes (4) when the connector (1) is connected to the feedthrough (2). According to the invention, this part is adapted to secure the connector (1) by friction and compression of a portion of its casing when the part is pivoted around the attachment holes (4).