Angled DIN Rail Socket for RJ45 Cable Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard RJ45 connectors in communication units, such as SmartMeter gateways, often protrude beyond the DIN rail housing due to their insertion axis orientation, violating installation dimensions and requiring special cables without anti-kink sleeves, which are more susceptible to damage.
Innovation Solution
Designing the built-in socket with a connection side and insertion opening axis that forms an angle of between 15° and 23° relative to the circuit board, allowing standard RJ45 cables to be used without compromising installation dimensions or handling requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the insertion opening axis is perpendicular or parallel to the circuit board, then the connector can be easily installed, but the housing protrudes beyond the maximum allowed dimension of 62 mm from the DIN rail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular parameter of the insertion opening axis relative to the circuit board from conventional angles (0°, 90°, or 45°) to a specific range of 15° to 23°. This parameter modification allows the connector to be positioned within the housing without protruding beyond the 62 mm limit while maintaining accessibility for plugging and unplugging operations.
2Length of stationary object
If the insertion opening axis is at 45° to the circuit board, then the housing dimension is reduced, but standard RJ45 cables cannot be used and special cables without anti-kink sleeves are required
Solution Approach 1:
By modifying the insertion angle parameter to fall within the 15° to 23° range, the patent creates optimal geometric conditions that allow standard RJ45 cables with anti-kink sleeves to be used. This angle range provides sufficient clearance for the cable bend radius while maintaining the housing within dimensional limits, thus restoring compatibility with standard cabling.
3Length of stationary object
If the connector is positioned to comply with installation dimensions, then the housing remains within 62 mm from the DIN rail, but the connector becomes difficult to access for plugging and unplugging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and optimizes the insertion angle parameter within the 15° to 23° range to simultaneously satisfy two conflicting requirements: keeping the housing within the 62 mm dimensional limit and maintaining easy accessibility for connector operations. This specific angular range provides the optimal compromise between compact housing and operational ease.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a panel mount socket for a communication unit in a DIN rail housing, preferably a housing (1) for a DIN rail (2). The panel mount socket has a base body (13) on which a connection side (14) and an insertion side (15) are formed, wherein the connection side (14) has connecting means (18) for connecting the panel mount socket (8) to conductor tracks on a circuit board (9) of the communication unit. The insertion side (15) has an insertion opening (19) for receiving a corresponding plug (7). An axis (20) is defined by the insertion opening, along which an inserted plug (7) is arranged. The connection side (14) and the insertion opening (19) are aligned such that the axis (20) of the insertion opening (19) forms an angle between 9° and 30° relative to a circuit board (9) connected to the panel mount socket (8).A further disclosed communication unit comprises a housing (1) for mounting on a mounting rail, preferably a DIN rail (2), at least one circuit board (9, 10) arranged inside the housing (1), and a mounting socket (8) according to the invention. The housing (1) has a side facing the mounting rail – mounting side (3) – and a front side (4). The mounting socket (8) is connected to one of the at least one circuit board – first circuit board (9) – the first circuit board (9) being arranged parallel to the mounting side (3). This causes the axis (20) of the insertion opening (19) to form an angle between 9° and 30° relative to the mounting side (3).