Tool and method for assembly of IDC strain relief caps
AssigneeAvaya Technology Corp.
InventorsDavid B. Hollesen, Ivan Pawlenko, Thelma E. Cole, Jason A. Kay, David S. Kerr
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method secures wire to an electrical contact using an insulation displacement contact (IDC) strain relief cap. The electrical contact has a bifurcated end for engaging and retaining the wire and is engaged with the strain relief cap in securing the wire. The cap attaches to the contact via means on the electrical contact for engaging both the cap and the wire. The wire is secured by placing cap onto the contact, aligning the wire with exit holes, and turning cap until locked into place.
Claims8
A method of securing a wire to an IDC contact that may be electrically engaged with a protective block comprising the steps of, irrespective of sequence:
- a. providing a metal IDC contact having
- (i) a first end having a portion to engage an electrical connection on set protector block to retain said IDC contact relative to said block,
- (ii) a bifurcated end having spaced longitudinally extending arms with inwardly facing opposed surfaces spaced a distance to retain a wire located between said opposed surfaces, and
- (iii) a pair of cams on said bifurcated end extending laterally away from each of said longitudinally extending arms;
- b. providing an open ended box-shaped strain relief cap that is configured to encircle said bifurcated end and enclose said bifurcated end on one end, said relief cap having
- (i) a pair of generally opposed cam slots extending along the circumference of said box-shaped member and each configured for engagement with one of said laterally extending cams,
- (ii) a wire slot extending along the circumference of said box-shaped member;
- and
- (iii) a plurality of longitudinally extending slots opening at one end into the open end of said box-shaped strain relief cap and terminating at the other end into one of said circumferentially extending cam and wire slots to form with said slot a generally “L” shaped slot, each of said generally “L” shaped slots being aligned in the same “L” shaped position relative to one another;
- c. providing a wire to be attached to said IDC contact;
- d. providing a tool to grip the exterior surface of said open ended box-shaped strain relief cap;
- e. inserting said wire between said inwardly facing opposed surfaces of said IDC contact;
- then,
- f. locating said relief cap over said bifurcated end with said longitudinal cam slots aligned with said cams and said longitudinal wire slot aligned with said wire;
- and then irrespective of sequence;
- g. moving said relief cap longitudinally relative to said bifurcated end to force said cams into said longitudinally extending cam slots;
- and
- h. gripping said relief cap with said tool;
- and then,
- i. twisting said relief cap relative to said bifurcated end with said tool to move said cams and said wire into said respective circumferential cam and wire slots.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.