Connector With Integrated Coding And Labeling Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for electrical lines lack clear identification of wiring, leading to potential confusion during installation, especially when multiple voltage systems are involved.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a pivotable housing with integrated coding and labeling fields, where the coding element interacts with a counter-coding element using a key-lock principle, and labeling fields with markings indicating voltage systems, allowing easy identification of voltage systems both when the connector is closed and open, reducing the risk of line confusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a connector is designed with integrated labeling fields visible both inside and outside the housing, then wiring identification clarity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple labeling fields (first labeling field inside the housing and second labeling field outside the housing) into a single connector structure. Both labeling fields contain corresponding wiring information and are integrated into the housing parts, allowing comprehensive wiring identification without requiring separate documentation or external references.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the labeling information from a single location to multiple spatial dimensions - placing labeling fields on both the inside (first housing part) and outside (second housing part) of the connector. This multi-dimensional arrangement ensures wiring information is accessible regardless of whether the connector is assembled or disassembled, improving identification clarity without adding external documentation.
2Ease of operation
If markings are arranged on coding element side surfaces to correspond with labeling fields, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies markings specifically on the side surfaces of the coding element that correspond to the labeling fields on the housing. This localized marking approach ensures that only the necessary information is placed in specific locations, facilitating easy visual matching between the coding element and housing labeling without requiring complex multi-surface marking schemes.
Solution Approach 2:
The coding element's markings on its side surfaces serve as a self-identifying feature that automatically aligns with the labeling fields during assembly. The markings on opposite side surfaces correspond to one another, allowing the installer to verify correct orientation and identification without external assistance or complex alignment procedures.
3Reliability
If a coding element is designed to snap into the receptacle and cannot be lost, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the coding element as a separate, removable component that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the connector. The coding element with its markings is produced as a discrete unit that snaps into the coding element receptacle, allowing for simplified manufacturing of the coding element itself while ensuring reliable retention through the snapping mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector for disconnecting electrical lines from a module or connecting them to the module includes a first housing part formed as a flap and a second housing part second housing part formed as a base part with an inner and outer sides, and a coding element receptacle for accepting a coding element, which interacts with a mating coding element disposed in the module, wherein the coding element receptacle is integrated into the base part and, looking towards the inner side, bears a first label field, and the base part is formed on the outer side in the area of the coding element receptacle with an opening and a second label field assigned to the opening, and in addition to numbers/letters, the label fields have marking lines disposed such that, when the coding element is plugged in, the markings match markings disposed on the coding element.