Connector Coding Device Axial Assembly and Rotational Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connections for housing parts that can pivot relative to each other are complex to assemble and require precise setting, especially when implementing coding devices, and are not suitable for generic plug connections with rotatable coding elements.
Innovation Solution
A coding device with pre-assembled coding elements that can be easily mounted on connector parts, allowing axial plugging and pulling, featuring spring legs with lugs for rotational locking, enabling easy assembly and compact design without additional perpendicular movement during plugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If coding elements are pre-assembled as a pre-assembled unit on connector parts, then assembly ease is improved, but device complexity increases due to the pre-assembled unit structure
Solution Approach 1:
The coding device is segmented into two separate coding elements (first coding element on plug part, second coding element on socket part) that are pre-assembled independently on each connector part. This segmentation allows each coding element to be separately manufactured and pre-assembled, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining a relatively simple device structure for each individual component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coding elements are designed to be rotatable with multiple locking positions, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coding elements incorporate asymmetric features including a non-circular coding contour on one element and a corresponding receiving contour with locking positions on the other element. This asymmetric design enables multiple distinct locking positions (at least two different rotational positions) while the features are designed to be robust enough to accommodate normal manufacturing tolerances, balancing versatility with manufacturability.
3Reliability
If the force to release the coding element is greater than the force to separate coding elements, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to higher pulling force required
Solution Approach 1:
The force characteristics are localized to specific regions: the coding contour and receiving contour with locking positions provide strong local engagement for reliable retention during normal operation, while the spring legs provide a controlled release mechanism. The spring legs are designed with elastic properties that allow them to yield under sufficient pulling force, enabling deliberate disassembly when needed while maintaining strong retention during use.
4Ease of operation
If connector parts are designed for axial plugging only without perpendicular movement, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability worsens compared to solutions requiring perpendicular movement
Solution Approach 1:
The coding device is designed with universal axial plugging capability that works with generic plug connectors. The coding elements are integrated into the connector parts themselves, allowing the same axial plugging motion to simultaneously perform both the mechanical connection function and the coding function. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for perpendicular movement or specialized housing structures, making the solution universally applicable to standard plug connectors while maintaining full coding capability.
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
Facilitates easy assembly and handling of the coding device, allowing for multiple codings by rotating elements, improving over existing solutions by simplifying the installation process and accommodating rotatable coding elements within a generic plug connection.
Implementation Method 1
one of the coding elements has, in the manner of feature f., spring legs with lugs that are shaped and designed in such a way that the other coding element can be rotated and locked in different rotational positions in a receiving contour of one connector part
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
A plug connection and a method for coding a plug connection, as well as the plug connection itself, are characterized in that the coding elements (7, 8; 107, 108) are pre-assembled as a pre-mountable unit on at least one of the connector parts (1, 104) and that the other connector part (4, 101) is designed such that one of the two coding elements (7, 107) pre-assembled for the coding device (9, 109) becomes fixed in/on it during the first purely axial insertion of the two connector parts, so that this coding element (7, 107) remains on this other connector part (4, 101) after the first disconnection of the connector parts that were first inserted, solely by axial pulling.