Bellows-Linked Angled Connector Housing for Easier Sealed Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angled housing parts for electric connectors are complex, prone to damage during assembly, and not well suited for automated processes, especially when managing wire inserts or exits at angles and requiring multiple elements for sealing against environmental influences.
Innovation Solution
The angled housing part consists of a first section and a second section, which are connected by a deformable bellows section that allows relative movement between the first and second sections, simplifying assembly and enabling automation by maintaining a single integrated housing part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate elements are used to assemble the electric connector, then the sealing and connection functionality is achieved, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate elements (housing parts, seals, and connection components) into a single integrated housing part. The bellows section integrates the sealing function while the flange surfaces provide connection capability, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single integrated housing part performs multiple functions simultaneously: the bellows section provides sealing against environmental influences, the flange surfaces enable connection to complementary parts, and the elastic deformation capability allows for relative movement during assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed.
2Reliability
If multiple separate elements are assembled together, then the required functionality is achieved, but the assembly time increases and automation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple components into a single integrated housing part, the assembly process is simplified from assembling multiple separate elements to installing one component. This significantly reduces assembly time and facilitates automation while maintaining connection stability through the integrated flange surfaces and bellows section.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing part is pre-assembled as a single integrated component during manufacturing, with the bellows section and flange surfaces already in their correct positions and configurations. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site assembly of multiple elements.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate elements are handled individually during assembly, then precise positioning is possible, but the risk of damaging elements such as seals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing element (bellows section) with the housing structure into a single integrated component. This eliminates the risk of damaging separate seals during assembly, as the bellows section is inherently protected within the integrated housing part while maintaining its sealing function and positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design inherently protects the bellows section from damage during assembly by incorporating it as part of the rigid housing structure. The bellows section is pre-positioned and protected within the housing part, eliminating the need for separate handling that could cause damage.
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 reduces the risk of damage during assembly and facilitates automated processes by allowing easy handling and efficient assembly of angled housing assemblies, ensuring effective sealing and reduced complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable bellows section (31) arranged between the first section (27) and the second section (29), which are connected by the bellows section (31), and wherein the first section (27) and the second section (29) are arranged to be moved relative to one another upon elastic deformation of the bellows section (31)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an angled housing part (5) for an electric connector (2) and an angled housing assembly (1). Prior art solutions are composed of several components and difficult to assemble. Those solutions are improved by the angled housing part (5) having a first section (27) and a second section (29), the first (27) and the second section (29) both comprising a flange surface (49), the flange surface (49) of the first section (27) being angled with respect to the second section (29), wherein a deformable bellows section (31) is arranged between the first section (27) and the second section (29), and wherein the first section (27) and the second section (27) are arranged to be moved relative to one another upon elastic deformation of the bellows section (31).