Adapter Module for Flexible Data Transmission in Shielded Connector Housings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector devices can only communicate data via conventional cabling, limiting flexibility and requiring non-shielding materials for RFID transponders, which are not suitable for measurement data transmission within metal housings.

Innovation Solution

A device with a data module and adapter module that allows independent data transmission from a connector housing, maintaining shielding and enabling bidirectional data exchange without modifying the housing, using a cable gland and adapter module for flexible configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If RFID transponders are integrated into a connector housing, then data transmission capability is improved, but the connector housing must be made of non-shielding material which compromises electromagnetic shielding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic shielding
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two independent parts: the original connector housing (with shielding) and a separate adapter module (with data transmission functionality). This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its primary function without compromise - the housing provides electromagnetic shielding while the adapter provides RFID or other wireless data transmission capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter module acts as an intermediary between the connector housing and the external environment for data transmission. It interfaces with the housing via cable connection while providing wireless communication capabilities externally, thus mediating between the shielding requirements of the housing and the data transmission requirements of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If RFID transponders are attached to the outside of a metal housing, then shielding is maintained, but the transponders may fall off under difficult environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic shieldingVSAvoidtransponder attachment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter module combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides the mounting structure for the RFID transponder, maintains the electrical connection to the connector housing, and ensures reliable attachment under environmental conditions. This merging eliminates the reliability issues of separately attached transponders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional cabling is used for data transmission from connector housing, then existing infrastructure is utilized, but data transmission flexibility is limited by cable routing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveutilization of existing infrastructureVSAvoiddata transmission flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter module is designed with multi-functionality to serve both wired and wireless data transmission purposes. It includes interfaces for cable connection (utilizing existing infrastructure) as well as wireless communication capabilities (providing flexibility), thus making the system adaptable to different transmission requirements without being limited to a single method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3360207B1Device for transmitting data
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 HARTING ELECTRIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3360207B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3360207B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3360207B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The object of the invention consists of defining a device which enables a data transmission from a plug connector housing, which is designed to be as freely configurable as possible. This problem is solved by a device for transmitting data, which comprises a data module (5) for storing and forwarding data, a plug connector housing (1) with a cable outlet opening (11) and a threaded cable connection (3), and additionally an adapter module (2) which has at least one cable passage area (28), wherein the adapter module (2) has a cable inlet opening (22) on a first end of this cable passage area (28) and a cable outlet opening (23) on a second end of this cable passage area (28), wherein the adapter module (2) can be fastened with its cable inlet opening (22) on the cable outlet opening (11) of the plug connector housing (1), and the threaded cable connection (3) can be fastened to the cable outlet opening (23) of the adapter module (2) so that the adapter module (2) can be fastened between the cable outlet opening (11) and the threaded cable connection (3).