Plug-Type Connector Coding Element for Error Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-type connector arrangements lack a flexible and efficient method to prevent erroneous plugging, especially when identical connectors are used for different functions, as they often require separate coding elements that need to be fitted and managed by users.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a coding element with detachable connecting elements that can be form-fittingly or force-fittingly connected to either the plug-type connector or the opposing plug-type connector, allowing for adjustable coding by displacing and latching the element, eliminating the need for separate coding elements and enabling user-adjustable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate coding elements are provided for each plug-type connector to prevent erroneous plugging, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to fit and manage multiple separate elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coding elements into a single integrated coding element that can be accommodated on both the plug-type connector and the opposing plug-type connector. This single element contains multiple coding positions that can be selectively activated, eliminating the need for multiple separate coding elements while maintaining the reliability of preventing erroneous plugging.
Solution Approach 2:
The coding element is designed with multi-functionality to serve both the plug-type connector and the opposing plug-type connector. It contains multiple coding positions (first coding position and second coding position) that can be selectively used depending on the connector type, making a single element universal for different coding configurations rather than requiring separate elements for each function.
2Reliability
If separate coding elements are fitted on each connector part, then coding reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to user intervention required for fitting and managing separate elements
Solution Approach 1:
The coding element is pre-configured with multiple coding positions and detachable connecting elements during manufacturing. The detachable connecting elements are designed to automatically engage with corresponding receptacles on the connector parts, eliminating the need for user intervention to fit the coding element. The preliminary configuration ensures coding accuracy is maintained while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coding element incorporates detachable connecting elements that enable self-service installation. The element can automatically attach to the plug-type connector or opposing plug-type connector through its connecting elements engaging with receptacles, without requiring user assembly or intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains coding reliability while dramatically improving ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If coding elements are integrated into the connector structure, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability worsens due to fixed coding configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The coding element incorporates detachable connecting elements that allow dynamic reconfiguration. The element can be detached from one connector part and attached to another, or different coding positions can be selectively activated by changing the orientation or position of the element. This dynamic capability provides flexibility and adaptability while maintaining a simplified integrated structure, resolving the contradiction between reduced complexity and maintained versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-type connector arrangement includes a plug-type connector and an opposing plug-type connector, which each have an insulating housing and plug-type contacts in the insulating housing. The plug-type connector also includes plug-type contours configured correspondingly to one another for plugging together and for electrically conductively connecting assigned plug-type contacts in the plugged-together state. The plug-type connector arrangement also includes at least one coding element, which can be accommodated displaceably on the plug-type contours of the plug-type connector and opposing plug-type connector, and fixes a permissible plug-in position for plugging together the plug-type connector and the opposing plug-type connector.