Clamping Strip Latching for Pre-Assembled Modular Plug Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular connectors face challenges in adaptability, assembly complexity, and handling difficulties due to their multi-part design, which limits flexibility and increases the number of required parts and assembly steps.
Innovation Solution
A modular connector system with terminal blocks and contact carrier modules is developed, utilizing projections and recesses for a positive and/or non-positive connection, allowing pre-assembly of a module strip as a structural unit, simplifying handling and assembly by forming a temporary connection through clamping elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular connectors use a multi-part design with separate terminal blocks and contact carrier modules, then adaptability to different contacting tasks is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate terminal blocks and contact carrier modules that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together, allowing different configurations for different contacting tasks while maintaining manageable assembly through standardized connection interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal blocks are designed with universal connection features (projections and recesses) that can accommodate different contact carrier modules, allowing the same terminal block design to serve multiple functions across various connector configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular connectors use a multi-part design with multiple individual parts, then flexibility in configuration is improved, but the number of required parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple contact carrier modules are combined with terminal blocks to form integrated module blocks, reducing the total number of separate parts by merging functions into unified assemblies that can be handled and installed as single units
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular connectors use a multi-part design, then adaptability to different contacting requirements is improved, but handling difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Contact carrier modules are merged with terminal blocks to form integrated module blocks that can be handled as single units, improving ease of operation by reducing the number of separate components that need to be manipulated during assembly and installation
4Productivity
If modular connectors use pre-assembly of terminal blocks and contact carrier modules, then assembly speed is improved, but the number of assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
Terminal blocks and contact carrier modules are pre-assembled into integrated module blocks before final installation, allowing preliminary preparation of sub-assemblies that can be quickly installed as complete units, thereby increasing overall assembly speed despite the additional preliminary assembly step
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping strip for locally fixing at least one contact carrier module relative to the clamping strip, having at least one projection for creating a connection to a recess of the contact carrier module, wherein the at least one projection has at least one fin, or lug on a lateral flank such that the connection supports an interlocking and/or frictionally engaged latching. The invention also relates to the production method and assembly method for producing the connection between clamping strip and contact carrier module. The invention further relates to a module strip having at least one contact carrier module and at least one clamping strip in an at least temporary connection situation such that a structural unit is formed. The invention also relates to a modular plug connector for achieving multiple electrically conductive contacts, having a plug connector housing and a module strip.