Electric connector assembly

Abstract

An electrical connector assembly is disclosed. The electrical connector assembly may include a first connector assembly and / or a second connector assembly. The first connector assembly may include a first set of male and female consubstantial 1P connectors configured to be removably couplable to a second set of male and female consubstantial 1P connectors of the second connector assembly. The first connector assembly may include a first set of helical spring pins configured to be mounted to the first housing to lock the first set of male and female consubstantial 1P connectors in position relative to the first housing and configured to be longitudinally aligned along a vertical axis perpendicular to the coupling axis. The first set of helical spring pins may include an upper subset configured to be received by an upper void. The first set of helical spring pins may include a lower subset configured to be received by a lower void.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 673,067, filed July 18, 2024, pursuant to 35U.SC119(e), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates generally to the field of power distribution, and more particularly to electrical connectors used in power distribution systems. Background Technology

[0004] In power distribution systems, especially in data centers, managing connectivity and efficient power distribution in a highly reliable and efficient manner is crucial. Traditional electrical connectors and their components typically have limitations in terms of durability, ease of connection, and adaptability to various configurations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one or more illustrative embodiments of this disclosure, an electrical connector assembly is disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the electrical connector assembly may include a first connector assembly. In another illustrative embodiment, the first connector assembly may include a first housing configured to be removably coupled to a second housing of a second connector assembly along a coupling axis. In another illustrative embodiment, the first connector assembly may include a first set of hermaphrodite 1P connectors held by the first housing and configured to be removably coupled to a second set of hermaphrodite 1P connectors of the second connector assembly. In another illustrative embodiment, the first connector assembly may include a first set of helical spring pins configured to be mounted to the first housing to lock the first set of hermaphrodite 1P connectors in place relative to the first housing, and the first set of helical spring pins configured to be longitudinally aligned along a vertical axis perpendicular to the coupling axis. In another illustrative embodiment, the first set of helical spring pins may include an upper sub-group and a lower sub-group, the upper sub-group being configured to be received by an upper gap defined by an upper portion of the first housing, and the lower sub-group being configured to be received by a lower gap defined by a lower portion of the first housing.

[0006] In another aspect, the first connector assembly can include 15 connector positions arranged in a form of three rows stacked along a vertical axis and five columns along a lateral axis perpendicular to the vertical axis and the coupling axis. In another illustrative implementation, at least 13 of the 15 connector positions can include a hermaphroditic 1P connector. In another illustrative implementation, a length of each of the first set of helical spring pins can be less than a total of a depth of the three rows measured along the vertical axis. In another illustrative implementation, a length of each of the first set of helical spring pins can be at most half of the depth of the three rows measured along the vertical axis.

[0007] In another illustrative implementation, the first housing can include at least four first mounting interfaces configured to removably couple to at least four second mounting interfaces of a second connector assembly. In another illustrative implementation, the first connector assembly can be configured to removably couple to the second connector assembly in only one orientation by a lateral spacing between two of the at least four first mounting interfaces being different than a different lateral spacing between two other of the at least four first mounting interfaces. In another illustrative implementation, the at least four first mounting interfaces can include internal threads for receiving threaded fasteners.

[0008] In another illustrative implementation, the upper subset of the first set of helical spring pins can be composed of four upper first set helical spring pins. In another illustrative implementation, the lower subset of the first set of helical spring pins can be composed of four lower first set helical spring pins.

[0009] According to one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, an electrical connector assembly is disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the electrical connector assembly can include a second connector assembly. In another illustrative embodiment, the second connector assembly can include a second housing configured to be removably coupled to a first housing of a first connector assembly along a coupling axis. In another illustrative embodiment, the second connector assembly can include a second set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors held by the second housing and configured to be removably coupled to a first set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors of the first connector assembly. In another illustrative embodiment, the second connector assembly can include a second set of helical spring pins configured to be mounted to the second housing to lock the second set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors in place relative to the second housing and configured to be longitudinally aligned along a vertical axis perpendicular to the coupling axis. In another illustrative embodiment, the second set of helical spring pins can include an upper subset configured to be received by an upper void defined by an upper side of the second housing and a lower subset configured to be received by a lower void defined by a lower side of the second housing.

[0010] In another aspect, the second connector assembly can include 15 hermaphroditic 1P connectors arranged in a form of three rows stacked along the vertical axis and five columns along a lateral axis perpendicular to the vertical axis and the coupling axis. In another aspect, a length of each helical spring pin of the second set of helical spring pins can be less than an entirety of a depth of the three rows measured along the vertical axis. In another aspect, a length of each helical spring pin of the second set of helical spring pins can be at most half of the depth of the three rows measured along the vertical axis. In another aspect, the second housing can include at least four second mounting interfaces configured to be removably coupled to at least four first mounting interfaces of the first connector assembly. In another aspect, the second connector assembly can be configured to be removably coupled to the first connector assembly in only one orientation by a lateral spacing between two of the at least four second mounting interfaces being different from different lateral spacings between two other of the at least four second mounting interfaces.

[0011] In another aspect, each of the at least four second mounting interfaces can include a threaded fastener configured to couple to a first mounting interface of the first connector assembly. In another aspect, the upper subset of the second set of helical spring pins can be comprised of an upper second set of helical spring pins in a quantity of four, and the lower subset of the second set of helical spring pins can be comprised of a lower second set of helical spring pins in a quantity of four. In another aspect, the second housing can include a second gap- bearing portion adjacent to a void defined by the second housing, where the void can be configured to receive a cable tie for securing the second housing to the first housing.

[0012] According to one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, an electrical connector assembly is disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the electrical connector assembly includes a first connector assembly and a second connector assembly. In another illustrative embodiment, the first connector assembly includes a first housing configured to be removably coupled to a second housing of the second connector assembly along a coupling axis. In another illustrative embodiment, the first connector assembly includes a first set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors. The first set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors are held by the first housing and are configured to be removably coupled to a second set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors of the second connector assembly. In another illustrative embodiment, the first connector assembly includes a first set of helical spring pins configured to be mounted to the first housing to lock the first set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors in place relative to the first housing and configured to be longitudinally aligned along a vertical axis perpendicular to the coupling axis. In another illustrative embodiment, the first set of helical spring pins includes an upper subset configured to be received by an upper void defined by an upper side of the first housing and a lower subset configured to be received by a lower void defined by a lower side of the first housing. In another illustrative embodiment, the second connector assembly includes a second housing configured to be removably coupled to the first housing of the first connector assembly along the coupling axis. In another illustrative embodiment, the second connector assembly includes a second set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors held by the second housing and configured to be removably coupled to the first set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors of the first connector assembly. In another illustrative embodiment, the second connector assembly includes a second set of helical spring pins configured to be mounted to the second housing to lock the second set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors in place relative to the second housing and configured to be longitudinally aligned along a vertical axis perpendicular to the coupling axis. In another illustrative embodiment, the second set of helical spring pins can include an upper subset configured to be received by an upper void defined by an upper side of the second housing and a lower subset configured to be received by a lower void defined by a lower side of the second housing. In another illustrative embodiment, the first connector assembly includes 15 connector positions arranged in a form of three rows stacked along a vertical axis and five columns along a lateral axis perpendicular to the vertical axis and the coupling axis, wherein at least 13 of the 15 connector positions include hermaphroditic 1P connectors. In another illustrative embodiment, a length of each helical spring pin of the first set of helical spring pins is less than an entirety of a depth of the three rows measured along the vertical axis.In another illustrative implementation, a length of each helical spring pin of the first set of helical spring pins is at most one-half of a depth of three rows measured along the vertical axis. In another illustrative implementation, the first housing includes at least four first mounting interfaces configured to removably couple to at least four second mounting interfaces of the second connector assembly. In another illustrative implementation, the first connector assembly is configured to removably couple to the second connector assembly in only one orientation by a lateral spacing between two of the at least four first mounting interfaces being different than a different lateral spacing between two other of the at least four first mounting interfaces.

[0013] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the application as claimed. Furthermore, it should be understood that the summary and the following detailed description are merely examples and are not necessarily limiting of the application. Additionally, it should be understood that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes and can not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the patent rights, resort to the claims being necessary to determine such patent rights. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Numerous additional advantages and benefits of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description.

[0015] Figure 1 is an electrical connector assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure in an assembled configuration.

[0016] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a first connector assembly of an electrical connector assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2B is a front view of the first connector assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a second connector assembly of an electrical connector assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3B is a front view of the second connector assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the first connector assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the second connector assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 7 is a simplified diagram of a hermaphroditic 1P connector configured to couple with another hermaphroditic 1P connector of the same design when rotated 180 degrees, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 8 is an electrical connector assembly in an assembled configuration and including an alternative coupling mechanism, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to the disclosed subject matter, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to electrical connectors that couple to one another and include at least 15 connector positions in a five-by-three arrangement and two sets of opposing pins for holding the connectors in the connector positions. Each connector assembly can include helical spring pins that can be inserted from each side that secure the connectors in place, preventing disconnection or movement due to vibration, etc. These features are beneficial in environments such as data centers where stability and reliability reduce downtime.

[0027] The two sets of spring pins and their length, alignment, etc. can allow for the use of a relatively greater number of connector pins, etc. as compared to the number of connector pins in other connectors. For example, in at least some cases, a single connector of the present disclosure can be used in place of multiple smaller conventional connectors. Benefits of the present disclosure can include, but are not limited to, improved configurability for accommodating various configurations, such as 13-pin or 15-pin arrangements. Thus, the proposed electrical connector assemblies can be particularly suitable for applications in environments where space is limited and device density is high. The compact design allows for optimization of the use of space without compromising the ease of maintenance of the electrical connections.

[0028] Additionally, the connectors can be designed to couple in a particular direction, guided by the unique arrangement of the mounting interface. This design feature prevents improper connections, thereby enhancing the safety and functionality of the system by ensuring that all electrical connections are properly aligned.

[0029] In various embodiments, the connectors can be configured for AP PP15-45 connectors. For example, the connectors can be at least one of: AP PP15-45 connectors; or compatible with AP PP15-45 connectors. AP PP15-45 connectors can refer to a type of Powerpole connector designed by Anderson Power Products. Such connectors can be known for their versatility and ability to handle a wide range of current and wire sizes in a compact footprint. For example, Figure 4 and Figure 5 Any of the connector assemblies 200, 300 and the connectors can be configured to accommodate wire ranging from #20 AWG (0.75 mm 2 ) to 3 / 0 (70 mm 2 ) and / or support up to 350 A of current.

[0030] Certain components described herein can be conventional components, but their particular arrangement and configuration herein provides advantages. For example, in some configurations, the wires, female-male 1P connectors, and fasteners can exist individually. However, it is contemplated that various embodiments herein provide for a greater number of connectors in a particular arrangement and configuration as compared to other connectors. Further, two sets of opposing spring pins can be used to retain the connectors, and the length, alignment, etc. of these spring pins can allow for a relatively greater number of connectors to be used and supplement a relatively greater number of connectors.

[0031] Figures 1 to 6 An example of an electrical connector assembly 100 is illustrated.

[0032] Figure 1 An electrical connector assembly 100 in an assembled state is illustrated in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] The electrical connector assembly 100 can include a first connector assembly 200 and a second connector assembly 300.

[0034] The first connector assembly 200 can be a panel connector configured to be mounted to a panel 102. The second connector assembly 300 can be a component on the “connector side” of the assembly, as opposed to a component on the panel side of the assembly. The second connector assembly 300 can be configured to be coupled to the first connector assembly 200.

[0035] The first connector assembly 200 can be configured to receive first wires 202. For example, the connectors (e.g., pins, terminals, sockets, etc.) in the first connector assembly 200 can each be coupled to a respective first wire 202. The second connector assembly 300 can be configured to receive second wires 302.

[0036] Figure 2A FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2B FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a first connector assembly 200 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] In embodiments, the first connector assembly 200 includes a first housing that provides structure for various elements.

[0038] The first housing can include at least four first mounting interfaces 204. For example, the first housing can include four first mounting interfaces 204 in a two-by-two arrangement. For example, there can be a first mounting interface 204 at each corner of the first housing.

[0039] The at least four first mounting interfaces 204 can be configured to removably couple to at least four second mounting interfaces of a second connector assembly 300.

[0040] The four first mounting interfaces 204 can include internal threads 210 for receiving a threaded fastener. For example, referring briefly to Figure 5 , the threaded fastener 524 can be configured to be threaded into each of the first mounting interfaces 204.

[0041] The first connector assembly 200 can be configured to removably couple to the second connector assembly 300 in only one orientation. For example, the orientation can be the orientation when the four first mounting interfaces 204 are aligned with corresponding mounting surfaces of the second connector assembly. This asymmetric configuration prevents improper mating of the connector assemblies by limiting coupling to a single allowed coupling orientation. This limitation on the orientation for connection can be achieved by a lateral spacing 206 between two of the mounting interfaces 204 (e.g., the two mounting interfaces 204 at the top) being different than a different lateral spacing 208 between the two other mounting interfaces 204 (e.g., the two mounting interfaces 204 at the bottom).

[0042] Figure 3A FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3B FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a first connector assembly 200 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] In embodiments, the second connector assembly 300 includes a second housing. The second housing can include at least four second mounting interfaces 304. For example, the second housing can include four second mounting interfaces 304 in a two-by-two arrangement. For example, there can be a second mounting interface 304 at each corner of the second housing.

[0044] The at least four second mounting interfaces 304 can be configured to removably connect to the at least four first mounting interfaces 204 of the first connector assembly 200.

[0045] The second connector assembly 300 can be configured to removably couple to the first connector assembly 200 in only one orientation. For example, the orientation can be an orientation in which the four second mounting interfaces 304 are aligned with corresponding mounting surfaces of the first connector assembly. This limitation on the orientation for connection can be achieved by a lateral spacing 306 between two of the mounting interfaces 304 (e.g., the two mounting interfaces 304 at the top) being different than a different lateral spacing 308 between the two other mounting interfaces 304 (e.g., the two mounting interfaces 304 at the bottom).

[0046] The threaded fastener can include an external thread 310. For example, the external thread 310 can be an external thread of a retaining fastener 524 configured to couple to the second housing in each corner.

[0047] Figure 4 An exploded view of the first connector assembly 200 is illustrated in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] The first connector assembly 200 includes a first housing 402. The first housing 402 can be configured to removably couple to the second housing 502 along a coupling axis. See Figure 5 which shows an example of components of the second connector assembly 300. The first connector assembly 200 can include a first set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors 440. The first set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors 440 can be held by the first housing 402 and can be configured to removably couple to a second set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors 540 (see Figure 5 ) of the second connector assembly 300.

[0049] Each connector of the present disclosure (e.g., each hermaphroditic connector 440) can be a hermaphroditic 1P connector having a single pin (e.g., a single electrical connection).

[0050] The first connector assembly 200 can include a first set of coil spring pins 424. The first set of coil spring pins 424 can be configured to be installed to the first housing 402. For example, the coil spring pins 424 can be squeezed to a smaller diameter, inserted until the end of the coil spring pin is flush with the outer surface of the housing, and then released to fully expand inside the respective void. In this configuration, the coil spring pins 424 can be held in place by the static friction of the spring pushing against the inner surface of the void 432A, 432B. The voids 432A, 432B can be any suitable shape, such as a circular hole.

[0051] The first set of coil spring pins 424 can be configured to lock the first set of enantiomorph 1P connectors 440 in place. For example, the first set of enantiomorph 1P connectors 440 can be fixed relative to the first housing 402, so the first set of enantiomorph 1P connectors 440 do not move in the coupling direction.

[0052] For example, as shown, each of the first set of coil spring pins 424 can be configured to be inserted between two respective first enantiomorph 1P connectors 440. The enantiomorph 1P connectors 440 can be shaped to define a void (e.g., half of a cylindrical void on either side) for receiving a first coil spring pin 424 on either side. In this way, two enantiomorph 1P connectors 440 placed next to each other can each be formed with half of the void for receiving a first coil spring pin 424.

[0053] The first set of coil spring pins 424 can be configured to be aligned longitudinally (e.g., along the length of the cylindrical axis) along a vertical axis (Z-axis) that is perpendicular to the coupling axis (Y-axis).

[0054] Two sets of coil spring pins 424, each half the length, can be used from each side of the first housing 402. The first set of coil spring pins 424 can include an upper subset of the first set of coil spring pins 424 424A. The upper subset 424A can be configured to be received by an upper void 432A defined by an upper side 434A of the first housing 402.

[0055] The first set of coil spring pins 424 can include a lower subset of the first set of coil spring pins 424 424B. The lower subset 424B can be configured to be received by a lower void 432B defined by a lower side 434B of the first housing 402.

[0056] In some implementations, the first set of coil spring pins 424 can be less than the full vertical depth along the vertical axis, such that the coil spring pins 424 can be inserted from each side. For example, in other words, the length of each coil spring pin of the first set of coil spring pins 424 can be less than the full depth of three rows as measured along the vertical axis. For example, the length of each coil spring pin of the first set of coil spring pins 424 can be at most half the depth of three rows as measured along the vertical axis.

[0057] The upper subset of the first set of coil spring pins 424 424A can be composed of four upper first coil spring pins 424A. The lower subset of the first set of coil spring pins 424 424B can be composed of four lower first coil spring pins 424B.

[0058] The first set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors 440 can include 15 connector positions arranged in three rows stacked along a vertical axis and five columns along a lateral axis perpendicular to the vertical axis (e.g., Z-axis) and the coupling axis (e.g., Y-axis). In some examples, at least 12 of the 15 connector positions include a hermaphroditic 1P connector 440. In some examples, as shown, at least 13 of the 15 connector positions include a hermaphroditic 1P connector 440. For example, the center column can include blank spacer connectors 410 on each side of the middle connector (e.g., an electrical ground connector). The blank spacer connectors 410 can be spacers and have no electrical function nor couple to a wire. In this way, 13 of the 15 connector positions can have an electrical function.

[0059] In some implementations, each upper coil spring pin 424A can be aligned with a respective lower coil spring pin 424B.

[0060] The first connector assembly 200 can include a bundling element 416 for holding the arrangement of first wires 418, 420, 422. For example, the bundling element 416 can be a flexible band for bundling and securing the wires together. For example, the bundling element 416 can be a flexible cable tie measuring 146 mm to 200 mm in length and 3.6 mm in width, which facilitates neat storage of the wires and prevents the wires from tangling or damage.

[0061] The first connector assembly 200 can include washers 428, 430. For example, the flat washer 430 can be used to protect the first housing 402 surface by providing a support surface. For example, the spring lock washer 428 can be used to securely lock the element 426 in place.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first connector assembly 200 can include protective housings 404, 406, 408 that enclose certain sections of the connected connectors 414, 412 to provide protection. For example, the protective housings can be color coded - black (404), green (406), and red (408) - to represent different electrical characteristics or electrical connections, such as ground or power. For example, the housings can facilitate quick identification and aid in maintenance.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first connector assembly 200 can include a support 426. The support 426 can be configured to maintain a fixed spacing between the housing 502 and another component or surface or provide structural support. For example, the support 426 can be an M3 support that is compatible with M3 sized screws or bolts that are used to mount or secure the connector assembly 300 in place. The support 426 can include Figure 2B

[0064] Figure 5 FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a first connector assembly 200 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, some or more (e.g., any) of the limitations of the first connector assembly 200 also apply to the second connector assembly 300. For example, the parts and their limitations can be similar, identical, and / or analogous. For clarity, at least some of these limitations will be described in more detail below.

[0065] The first connector assembly 200 can include connected connectors 414, 412. The first connector assembly 200 can be configured to receive first wires 416, 418, 420.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first connector assembly 200 can include protective housings 404, 406, 408 that enclose certain sections of the connected connectors 414, 412 to provide protection. For example, the protective housings can be color coded - black (404), green (406), and red (408) - to represent different electrical characteristics or electrical connections.

[0067] The first connector assembly 200 can include a bundling element 414 that is used to maintain the arrangement of the first wires 416, 418, 420. For example, the bundling element 414 can be a flexible band that is used to bundle and secure the wires together. For example, the bundling element 414 can be a flexible cable tie that measures 146 mm to 200 mm in length and 3.6 mm in width.

[0068] ​Each of the first hermaphroditic 1P connectors 440 can be alignable with a respective second hermaphroditic 1P connector 540 of the second connector assembly 300.

[0069] The second connector assembly 300 can include a second housing 502. The second housing 502 can be configured to be removably coupled to the first housing 402 along the coupling axis. The second connector assembly 300 can include a second set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors 540. The second set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors 540 can be held by the second housing 502. The second connector assembly 300 can also include a second set of coil spring pins 522.

[0070] The second set of coil spring pins 522 can be configured to be installed to the second housing 502. For example, the coil spring pins 522 can be compressed to be smaller, inserted until flush with an outer surface of the second housing 502, and then released, etc. In this configuration, the coil spring pins 522 can be held in place by static friction (and / or interference) of the spring pushing on the inner surfaces of the voids 526A, 526B. The voids 526A, 526B can be any shape, such as circular holes.

[0071] The second set of coil spring pins 522 can be configured to lock the second set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors 540 in place. For example, as shown, each of the second set of coil spring pins 522 can be configured to be inserted between two respective second hermaphroditic 1P connectors 540. The hermaphroditic 1P connectors 540 can be shaped to define a void (e.g., half of a cylindrical void on either side) for receiving the second coil spring pins 522 on either side. In this way, two hermaphroditic 1P connectors 540 placed next to each other can each form half of the void for receiving the second coil spring pins 522.

[0072] The second set of coil spring pins 522 can be configured to be aligned longitudinally (e.g., along the length of a cylindrical axis) along a vertical axis (Z-axis) that is perpendicular to the coupling axis (Y-axis).

[0073] Two sets of coil spring pins 522, each half the length, can be used from each side of the second housing 502. The second set of coil spring pins 522 can include an upper subset 522A of the second set of coil spring pins 522. The upper subset 522A can be configured to be received by an upper void 526A defined by an upper side 528A of the second housing 502.

[0074] The second set of coil spring pins 522 can include a lower subset 522B of the second set of coil spring pins 522. The lower subset 522B can be configured to be received by a lower void 526B defined by a lower side 528B of the second housing 502.

[0075] In some implementations, the second set of coil spring pins 522 can be less than the full vertical depth along the vertical axis, such that the coil spring pins 522 can be inserted from each side. For example, in other words, each coil spring pin of the second set of coil spring pins 522 can be less than half the depth of three rows as measured along the vertical axis. For example, each coil spring pin of the second set of coil spring pins 522 can be at most half the depth of three rows as measured along the vertical axis.

[0076] The upper subset of the second set of coil spring pins 522A can be composed of four upper second coil spring pins 522A. The lower subset of the second set of coil spring pins 522B can be composed of four lower second coil spring pins 522B.

[0077] The second set of hermaphroditic IP connectors 540 can include 15 connector positions arranged in three rows stacked along a vertical axis and five columns along a lateral axis perpendicular to the vertical axis (e.g., Z-axis) and the coupling axis (e.g., Y-axis). In some examples, at least 12 of the 15 connector positions include a hermaphroditic IP connector 540. In some examples, as shown, all 15 of the 15 connector positions include a hermaphroditic IP connector 540. In this way, all 15 of the 15 connector positions can have electrical functionality.

[0078] In some implementations, each upper coil spring pin 522A can be aligned with a respective lower coil spring pin 522B.

[0079] The second connector assembly 300 can also include a plurality of fasteners 524. For example, Figure 3B The second mounting interfaces 304 of the second housing 502 can each include a fastener 524. The fasteners can be thumb screws 524 for securing the second housing 502 to the first housing 402 without the need for additional tools. For example, the thumb screws 524 can be used to easily tighten or loosen the connection without the need for additional tools.

[0080] Figure 6 FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector assembly 100, according to one or more implementations of the present disclosure.

[0081] As shown, the fasteners 524 can be configured to pass through portions 602 of the second housing and be screwed into the first mounting interfaces 204 to secure the second connector assembly 300 in place.

[0082] Region 604 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the coil spring pins 522 locking the hermaphroditic IP connectors 540 in place.

[0083] Figure 7 FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified diagram of a hermaphroditic 1P connector 702 coupled to another hermaphroditic 1P connector 704 of the same design when rotated 180 degrees, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0084] In this way, for the first connector assembly 200 and the second connector assembly 300, the same parts can be used, but not necessarily.

[0085] Figure 8 FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified diagram of a hermaphroditic 1P connector 702 coupled to another hermaphroditic 1P connector 704 of the same design when rotated 180 degrees, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8 A potentially more economical way of coupling the second housing 502 to the first housing 402 can be illustrated.

[0086] In some embodiments, the electrical connector assembly 100 includes a fastener 802 configured to be received by Figure 3B the second mounting interface 304 of the second housing 502. For example, the fastener 802 can be at least one of any fastener, such as a bolt or a screw. For example, the fastener 802 can be an M3 torx screw. The fastener 802 can be received by the faceplate via a hole in the faceplate. The fastener 802 can be configured to be received by the first mounting interface 204, such as the internal threading 210 in the first mounting interface 204, as shown in FIG. 1. Figure 2B

[0087] In some embodiments, alternatively and / or additionally, the electrical connector assembly 100 includes a coupling element 804 on each side of the electrical connector assembly 100. The coupling element 804 can be configured to be received by a void 810 (e.g., a gap, a hole, etc.). For example, the void 810 can be defined by the first housing 402 and the second housing 502, such that the coupling element 804 (e.g., a cable tie) can be pushed along the faceplate 102 and through the first housing 402 and the second housing 502 to be pushed in and out. The band-gapped portions 806, 808 can be adjacent to the void 810 and spaced apart from the faceplate 102. The coupling element 804 can be configured to be wrapped around the first band-gapped portion 806 of the first housing 402 and the second band-gapped portion 808 of the second housing 502. In this way, the coupling element 804 can help secure the second housing 502 to the first housing 402.

[0088] ​Embodiments can be configured for any power system. For example, the electrical connector assembly 100 can be configured as an uninterruptible power supply connector. For example, the electrical connector assembly 100 can be configured as a DC power system connector. For example, the electrical connector assembly 100 can be configured as a power distribution unit connector.

[0089] Embodiments can be configured to be easy to manufacture. For example, the first housing 402 and the second housing 502 can be configured to be manufactured using injection molded slides. For example, the first housing 402 and the second housing 502 can lack enclosed interior cavities, etc. that cannot be manufactured using injection molded slides. As another example, the first housing 402 and the second housing 502 can be configured to be manufactured using additive manufacturing. For example, the first housing 402 and the second housing 502 can be configured to be manufactured using fused deposition modeling (FDM). For example, the first housing 402 and the second housing 502 can be configured to be manufactured using selective laser sintering (SLS).

[0090] In embodiments, a method of producing the first housing 402 and the second housing 502 can include any of the above, such as injection molded slides, additive manufacturing (e.g., FDM, SLS), etc. The method can include assembling the electrical connector assembly 100, including any components described in the present disclosure.

[0091] The subject matter described herein sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that the depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as "associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermediate components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being "operably connected", or "operably coupled", to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably couplable", to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and / or physically interacting components and / or wirelessly interactable and / or wirelessly interacting components and / or logically interacting and / or logically interactable components.

[0092] While certain aspects of the subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it is to be understood that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein, and it is therefore contemplated to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Moreover, it should be understood that the application is defined by the appended claims.

[0093] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular term herein, those having skill in the art can translate the plural and / or singular term to a singular and / or plural term, and vice versa, as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural versions should be construed to cover by way of example, a single and / or multiple instances of the same item.

Claims

1. An electrical connector assembly comprising: a first connector assembly comprising: a first housing configured to be removably coupled to a second housing of a second connector assembly along a coupling axis; a first set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors held by the first housing and configured to be removably coupled to a second set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors of the second connector assembly; and a first set of coil spring pins configured to be mounted to the first housing to lock the first set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors in place relative to the first housing and configured to be longitudinally aligned along a vertical axis perpendicular to the coupling axis, wherein the first set of coil spring pins comprises: an upper subset of the first set of coil spring pins configured to be received by an upper void defined by an upper side of the first housing; and a lower subset of the first set of coil spring pins configured to be received by a lower void defined by a lower side of the first housing.

2. The electrical connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, the first connector assembly comprises 15 connector positions arranged in three rows stacked along the vertical axis and five columns along a lateral axis perpendicular to the vertical axis and the coupling axis, and wherein at least 13 of the 15 connector positions comprise hermaphroditic 1P connectors.

3. The electrical connector assembly of claim 2, wherein, a length of each coil spring pin of the first set of coil spring pins is less than an entirety of a depth of the three rows measured along the vertical axis.

4. The electrical connector assembly of claim 2, wherein, a length of each coil spring pin of the first set of coil spring pins is at most half of the depth of the three rows measured along the vertical axis.

5. The electrical connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, the first housing further comprises at least four first mounting interfaces configured to be removably coupled to at least four second mounting interfaces of the second connector assembly, and wherein the first connector assembly is configured to be removably coupled to the second connector assembly in only one orientation by a lateral spacing between two of the at least four first mounting interfaces being different than a different lateral spacing between two other of the at least four first mounting interfaces.

6. The electrical connector assembly of claim 5, wherein, the at least four first mounting interfaces comprise internal threads for receiving threaded fasteners.

7. The electrical connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, the upper subset of the first set of coil spring pins comprises a number of four upper first set coil spring pins, and wherein the lower subset of the first set of coil spring pins comprises a number of four lower first set coil spring pins.

8. An electrical connector assembly comprising: a second connector assembly comprising: a second housing configured to be removably coupled to a first housing of a first connector assembly along a coupling axis; a second set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors held by the second housing and configured to be removably coupled to a first set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors of the first connector assembly; and a second set of coil spring pins configured to be mounted to the second housing to lock the second set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors in place relative to the second housing, and configured to be longitudinally aligned along a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the coupling axis, wherein the second set of coil spring pins comprises: an upper subset of the second set of coil spring pins configured to be received by an upper void defined by an upper side of the second housing; and a lower subset of the second set of coil spring pins configured to be received by a lower void defined by a lower side of the second housing.

9. The electrical connector assembly of claim 8, wherein, the second connector assembly comprises 15 hermaphroditic 1P connectors arranged in three rows stacked along the vertical axis and five columns along a lateral axis that is perpendicular to the vertical axis and the coupling axis.

10. The electrical connector assembly of claim 9, wherein, a length of each coil spring pin of the second set of coil spring pins is less than an entirety of a depth of the three rows measured along the vertical axis.

11. The electrical connector assembly of claim 9, wherein, a length of each coil spring pin of the second set of coil spring pins is at most half of the depth of the three rows measured along the vertical axis.

12. The electrical connector assembly of claim 8, wherein, the second housing further comprises at least four second mounting interfaces configured to be removably coupled to at least four first mounting interfaces of the first connector assembly, and wherein the second connector assembly is configured to be removably coupled to the first connector assembly in only one orientation by a lateral spacing between two of the at least four second mounting interfaces being different than a different lateral spacing between two other of the at least four second mounting interfaces.

13. The electrical connector assembly of claim 12, wherein, each of the at least four second mounting interfaces comprises a threaded fastener configured to be coupled to a first mounting interface of the first connector assembly.

14. The electrical connector assembly of claim 8, wherein, the upper subset of the second set of coil spring pins comprises a number of four upper second set coil spring pins, and wherein the lower subset of the second set of coil spring pins comprises a number of four lower second set coil spring pins.

15. The electrical connector assembly of claim 8, wherein, the second housing comprises a second gapped portion adjacent to a void defined by the second housing, wherein the void is configured to receive a cable tie for securing the second housing to the first housing.

16. An electrical connector assembly comprising: a first connector assembly comprising: a first housing configured to be removably coupled to a second housing of a second connector assembly along a coupling axis; a first set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors held by the first housing and configured to be removably coupled to a second set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors of a second connector assembly; and a first set of coil spring pins configured to be mounted to the first housing to lock the first set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors in place relative to the first housing, and configured to be longitudinally aligned along a vertical axis perpendicular to the coupling axis, wherein the first set of coil spring pins includes: an upper subset of the first set of coil spring pins configured to be received by an upper void defined through an upper side of the first housing; and a lower subset of the first set of coil spring pins configured to be received by a lower void defined through a lower side of the first housing; and a second connector assembly including: the second housing configured to be removably coupled to the first housing of the first connector assembly along the coupling axis; the second set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors held by the second housing and configured to be removably coupled to the first set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors of the first connector assembly; and a second set of coil spring pins configured to be mounted to the second housing to lock the second set of hermaphroditic 1P connectors in place relative to the second housing, and configured to be longitudinally aligned along the vertical axis perpendicular to the coupling axis, wherein the second set of coil spring pins includes: an upper subset of the second set of coil spring pins configured to be received by an upper void defined through an upper side of the second housing; and a lower subset of the second set of coil spring pins configured to be received by a lower void defined through a lower side of the second housing.

17. The electrical connector assembly of claim 16, wherein, the first connector assembly includes 15 connector positions arranged in three rows stacked along the vertical axis and five columns along a lateral axis perpendicular to the vertical axis and the coupling axis, and wherein at least 13 of the 15 connector positions include hermaphroditic 1P connectors.

18. The electrical connector assembly of claim 17, wherein, a length of each coil spring pin of the first set of coil spring pins is less than an entirety of a depth of the three rows measured along the vertical axis.

19. The electrical connector assembly of claim 17, wherein, a length of each coil spring pin of the first set of coil spring pins is at most half of a depth of the three rows measured along the vertical axis.

20. The electrical connector assembly of claim 16, wherein, the first housing further includes at least four first mounting interfaces configured to be removably coupled to at least four second mounting interfaces of the second connector assembly, And wherein the first connector assembly is configured to be removably coupled to the second connector assembly in only one direction by the lateral spacing between two of the at least four first mounting interfaces being different than the different lateral spacing between two other of the at least four first mounting interfaces.

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