Slidable Angled Connector Assembly for Reliable Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of angled connectors is cumbersome due to the complexity of sealing composite housing shells and the need for specialized equipment to process and install different terminal types, leading to increased costs and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
An angled connector design featuring a monolithic connector housing with slidable terminal support, allowing pre-mounting of the first terminal at the manufacturing site and on-site mounting of the second terminal without additional equipment, ensuring a form- and force-locking connection without interfering with each other during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If composite housing shells are used for angled connectors, then the connector can be assembled in parts, but the sealing becomes complicated and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first and second housing shells into a single integrated housing structure. This eliminates the need for separate sealing operations between multiple housing parts, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly improving sealing reliability by removing the complex multi-part sealing process that was prone to errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different terminal types are used for first and second terminals, then the connector can accommodate various applications, but additional processing equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the terminal support to be a universal component that can accommodate different terminal types (interface terminals, cable end terminals, etc.) through a single standardized interface. This allows the connector to maintain adaptability for various applications while eliminating the need for specialized processing equipment, as all terminal types can be installed using the same tooling and procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal support is pre-configured at the manufacturing site to receive the first terminal, with the second terminal being prepared for installation by the operator. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site processing equipment, as all necessary terminal preparation is completed during manufacturing, allowing field operators to simply install terminals without specialized tools.
3Productivity
If the first terminal is pre-mounted at manufacturing site, then assembly is simplified, but the first terminal may interfere with second terminal installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic terminal support that can be positioned in different locations along the connector housing. During manufacturing, the terminal support is positioned to facilitate first terminal installation. During field installation, the terminal support can be moved or adjusted to clear the installation path for the second terminal, thereby maintaining both assembly speed and ease of operation without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the terminal support from the main housing, allowing it to be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation enables the terminal support to be moved out of the way during second terminal installation, preventing interference while maintaining the productivity benefits of pre-mounted first terminals. The modular design allows flexible positioning during different assembly stages.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an angled connector (1) comprising a connector housing (2) having a first terminal passage (4) and a second terminal passage (6) extending at an angle to the first terminal passage (4), wherein the first terminal passage (4) and the second terminal passage (6) intersect one another in an intersection region (8), the angled connector (1) further comprising a first terminal (10), the first terminal (10) being held in a terminal support (12) and at least partially extending into the first terminal passage (4), wherein the terminal support (12) is held slidable relative to the connector housing (2) along the first terminal passage (4) from a first position (P) to a second position (C), wherein in the second position (C) the first terminal (10) is closer to the second terminal passage (6) than in the first position (P) and wherein in the second position (C) the first terminal (10) is at least partially arranged in the intersection region (8). The invention further relates to a method of assembling an angled connector (1).