Multi-Pin Connector Alignment Walls Prevent Pin Canting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-pin connectors face challenges with increased canting during the plugging process, leading to potential damage and failure in establishing connections, especially as the number of poles increases, resulting in reduced reliability and increased mechanical stress on conductive elements.
Innovation Solution
A detachable multi-pin connector design featuring an electrically insulating socket and plug housing with protruding walls and openings that surround and protect the pin and socket elements, ensuring proper alignment and mechanical protection, thereby enhancing reliability and preventing canting during plugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of poles in a multi-pin connector is increased to provide more electrical connections, then the connectivity and functionality are improved, but the risk of tilting and mechanical damage to conductive elements increases, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing guide elements (protrusions and recesses) on the housing that align and guide the plug and socket together before the conductive pins make contact. This preliminary alignment prevents tilting during insertion, ensuring reliable connections even as the number of poles increases
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing the housing with integrated guide elements and positioning structures that prevent misalignment and tilting before the conductive elements engage. This protective structure cushions against mechanical stresses that would otherwise damage the pins
2Adaptability or versatility
If more poles are packed into the connector to increase connectivity, then the functional capability is improved, but the mechanical stress on individual conductive elements increases, leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connector into modular units with individual housing for each pole. Each conductive element is independently supported within its own housing compartment, distributing mechanical stresses and preventing damage from propagating across multiple pins
Solution Approach 2:
The guide elements on the housing align the plug and socket before the conductive elements engage, preventing tilting and excessive mechanical stress on the pins during insertion
3Ease of manufacture
If the connector design is simplified to ease manufacturing, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the protection of socket and plug elements from mechanical influences may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the housing structure: the housing simultaneously provides mechanical protection for the conductive elements, guides alignment through integrated protrusions and recesses, and supports the electrical connections. This integration simplifies manufacturing by eliminating separate guide components while maintaining protective functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it protects conductive elements from mechanical damage, provides alignment guidance through guide elements, and supports the electrical connection structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a releasable multi-plug connector comprising a socket side (1) with an insulating socket housing (10) and with a plurality of socket elements (2) which are received in the socket housing (10) and which comprise a socket portion (20) and a contact portion (21) for connecting to an external element in an electrically conductive manner, in particular a multipolar cable. The plug connector also comprises a plug side (3) with an insulating plug housing (30) and with a plurality of plug elements (4) which are received in the plug housing (30) and which comprise a pin portion (40) and a contact portion (41) for connecting to an external element in an electrically conductive manner, in particular a multipolar cable. The socket housing (10) and the plug housing (30) can be connected together along a plug direction (S), said pin portions (40) of the plug elements (4) protruding into the socket portions (20) of the socket elements (2) in the plugged state such that an electric contact can be provided between the socket side (1) and the plug side (2) via the socket portion (20) and the pin portion (40). The socket housing (10) and the plug housing (30) have a contact surface (11, 31) via which the socket housing (10) and the plug housing (30) are in contact. A wall (32) extends from the contact surface (31) of the plug housing (30) or the socket housing (10), said wall at least partly surrounding the pin portions (40) or the socket portions (20), and an opening (12) extends from the contact surface (11) that does not have the wall (32) into the socket housing (10) or the plug housing (30), the socket portions (20) or the pin portions (40) lying in said opening (12). The wall (32) cross-section perpendicular to the plug direction matches the opening (12) cross-section perpendicular to the plug direction, and the wall (32) protrudes into the opening (12) in the plugged state.