Spring-Metal Connector Clamping Frame for Easy Module Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holder frames for connector modules are difficult to assemble and disassemble, particularly when replacing individual modules, and they lack the necessary protection and heat resistance for metallic plug-in housings, which are required for mechanical robustness and temperature resistance.

Innovation Solution

A holder frame made from electrically conductive materials with a basic section for fixing modules and a deformation section that can assume an introductory and holding state, utilizing different materials for each section to provide stiffness and elasticity, allowing easy insertion and removal of modules while ensuring mechanical stability and heat resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a holder frame is made from rigid material to provide mechanical robustness and heat resistance, then strength and temperature resistance are improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical robustnessVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holder frame is divided into a rigid basic section and a deformable deformation section. This segmentation allows the basic section to provide mechanical robustness and heat resistance, while the deformation section enables easy assembly and disassembly through elastic deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the holder frame have different material properties: the basic section uses rigid material for strength and heat resistance, while the deformation section uses elastically deformable material for ease of assembly. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If a holder frame is made from elastic material to enable easy insertion and removal of modules, then ease of operation is improved, but mechanical stability and heat resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of insertion and removalVSAvoidheat resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The holder frame is segmented into a basic section that provides heat resistance and mechanical stability, and a deformation section that provides elastic deformability for easy module insertion and removal. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and heat resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The deformation section specifically uses elastically deformable material to enable easy insertion and removal, while the basic section maintains heat resistance. This local application of elastic material properties solves the contradiction without compromising overall heat resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If individual modules are to be replaced in a holder frame, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to assembly and disassembly difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule replaceabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder frame is segmented with a deformable section that simplifies individual module replacement. This segmentation enables high adaptability for module replacement while keeping the assembly process simple through elastic deformation, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable section automatically provides the necessary deformation force for module insertion and removal through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for complex assembly mechanisms. This self-service mechanism enables easy module replacement while maintaining simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 holder frame enables easy and efficient insertion and removal of modules with minimal effort, provides robust mechanical and thermal protection, and ensures secure module retention, even in high-temperature environments, while maintaining electrical security and interference shielding.

Implementation Method 1

a deformation section (2, 2') which can assume an insertion state and a holding state, wherein the insertion state allows insertion of at least one module (3) in a direction transverse to the plane into the holding frame and a received module is fixed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4280397B1Clamping frame for a connector
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 HARTING ELECTRIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4280397B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4280397B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4280397B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

A retaining frame for a connector should exhibit good heat resistance and high mechanical robustness, and, when installed in a metallic connector housing, enable protective grounding while simultaneously ensuring ease of use, particularly when replacing individual modules (3). To this end, it is proposed that the retaining frame be manufactured at least partially from spring-elastic sheet metal. The retaining frame can comprise a base section (1) and a deformation section (2) made of different materials. The base section (1) serves to fix a received module in a plane. The deformation section (2) can assume an insertion state and a holding state, whereby the insertion state allows at least one module (3) to be inserted into the retaining frame in a direction transverse to the plane, and a received module (3) is fixed in the holding state.