Wiretap Connection Assembly for Space-Constrained Circuit Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Circuit protection systems require significant space for installation, making it challenging to mount and install junction boxes and associated hardware in residential applications where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A wiretap connection assembly and method that includes a wire severing assembly and wiretap assemblies with tapping and connecting portions to pierce through the insulating outer covering and connect directly to the conductive inner core of wire conductors, allowing for efficient circuit protection without the need for a conventional junction box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional junction boxes and switchgear are used for circuit protection, then circuit protection function is achieved, but installation space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the circuit protection system into distributed wiretap connection assemblies that can be installed at different locations along the wire conductor, eliminating the need for a single large junction box. Each wiretap assembly handles specific circuit protection functions locally, segmenting the overall system into manageable units that require minimal installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the circuit protection function from the traditional junction box configuration and implements it through wiretap connection assemblies that attach directly to wire conductors. This extraction eliminates the need for separate junction box hardware, reducing installation space requirements while maintaining circuit protection capabilities.
2Productivity
If wiretap assemblies pierce through insulating outer covering to connect to conductive inner core, then connection efficiency is improved, but risk of dielectric breakdown increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiretap connection assembly incorporates insulating structures and design features that prevent dielectric breakdown before it can occur. The piercing elements are designed with appropriate spacing and insulation barriers that cushion against electrical breakdown, allowing efficient direct connection while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediary insulating structures between the piercing elements and the conductive inner core. These intermediaries facilitate the connection process by providing controlled pathways that prevent uncontrolled dielectric breakdown, enabling efficient connection while managing the risks associated with piercing the insulating outer covering.
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 quick and easy circuit protection in space-restricted areas by severing and connecting wire conductors directly to line and load conductors, maintaining dielectric stability and facilitating installation in areas where conventional junction boxes cannot be used.
Implementation Method 1
The tapping portion is structured to pierce through the electrically insulating outer covering of a corresponding portion of the wire conductor and into the electrically conductive inner core
Data Source
AI summary
A wiretap connection assembly is for a circuit protection system. The circuit protection system includes at least one wire conductor and at least one circuit interrupter. The circuit interrupter includes a line conductor and a load conductor. The wire conductor has an electrically conductive inner core and an electrically insulating outer covering. The wiretap connection assembly includes a wire severing assembly structured to sever the wire conductor, and a number of wiretap assemblies. Each wiretap assembly includes a tapping portion and a connecting portion. The tapping portion is structured to pierce through the electrically insulating outer covering of a corresponding portion of the wire conductor and into the electrically conductive inner core. The connecting portion is structured to electrically connect the electrically conductive inner core of the corresponding portion of the wire conductor to a corresponding one of the line conductor and the load conductor.