Plug-In Connector Coupling for Incompatible Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a cost-effective way to mechanically couple two plug-in connectors that cannot be directly coupled due to their fastening means or elements, while also ensuring a secure, reliable, and direct electrical connection without intermediate conductors.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a housing that receives two plug-in connectors, each with fastening means, and features coupling fastening means at both ends to securely capture the plug-in connectors, allowing for direct electrical contact and mechanical coupling without the need for intermediate conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two plug-in connectors with incompatible fastening means are directly coupled, then mechanical coupling is not achieved, but the need for intermediate coupling devices increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate different fastening means types (lever elements, sliding elements, pins, projections) on plug-in connectors. The housing includes multiple coupling fastening means that can interact with various fastening mechanisms, allowing the same coupling device to work with different connector types without requiring custom-designed couplings for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device serves as an intermediary component between two plug-in connectors that cannot be directly coupled. The housing with its coupling fastening means mediates the mechanical connection, enabling connectors with incompatible fastening mechanisms (e.g., two lever elements or two pins) to be securely connected through the intermediate coupling structure.
2Reliability
If intermediate conductors are used to connect two plug-in connectors, then electrical connection is achieved, but contact resistance and risk of contact interruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device extracts and eliminates the need for intermediate conductors by enabling direct electrical contact between the two plug-in connectors. The housing provides a pathway or opening that allows contact elements from one connector to directly touch contact elements from the other connector, removing the intermediate conductor link that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as a mechanical intermediary that enables direct electrical contact without electrical intermediaries. The housing structure facilitates the direct meeting of contact elements while providing mechanical support and positioning, thereby achieving reliable electrical connection without the resistance and failure risks associated with intermediate conductors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a coupling device is introduced to mechanically couple incompatible plug-in connectors, then mechanical coupling is achieved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple types of fastening means (lever elements, sliding elements, pins, projections) through its housing structure with appropriate coupling fastening means. This multi-functionality allows a single coupling design to work with various connector types, reducing the need for multiple specialized coupling variants and thereby lowering production costs through economies of scale.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for receiving two plug-in connectors which face one another. The coupling has a sleeve-like housing which extends along an axial direction and has a first end, a second end averted from the first end, and an interior space. A first opening for inserting a first plug-in connector having a first faster is at the first end. A second opening for inserting a second plug-in connector having a second fastener is at the second end. A first coupling fastener is arranged at the first end and interacts with the first fastener of the first plug-in connector in such a way that the first plug-in connector is captively coupled to the coupling. A second coupling fastener is arranged at the second end, and interacts with the second fastener of the second plug-in connector in such a way that the second plug-in connector is captively coupled to the coupling.