Multi-Pin Connector Cover with Offset Cable Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing covering hoods for multi-pole plug elements do not effectively manage and protect cables from dirt, dust, and moisture, particularly in spatially limited installations, and complicate cable routing and assembly.

Innovation Solution

A two-part covering hood design with offset openings that guide cables in a targeted manner, featuring sliding guide areas for secure assembly, a cable bundling element, and a design that mimics additional plug elements for aesthetic integration, preventing dust ingress and damage to cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a covering hood is used to protect cables from dirt and dust, then protection against contaminants is improved, but cable routing becomes complicated and assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against dirt and dustVSAvoidcable routing and assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The covering hood is divided into a first housing part and a second housing part that can be assembled separately. The first housing part is assembled on the connector element first, then cables are routed through openings, and finally the second housing part is mounted to complete the assembly. This segmentation simplifies both cable routing and assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces openings that extend through both housing parts in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connector element. This creates a new dimensional path for cable routing that bypasses the complicated routing through the connector element slots, making cable management easier while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If the covering hood is designed as a single integrated unit, then structural strength is improved, but handling and assembly become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidhandling and assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The covering hood is segmented into a first housing part and a second housing part. The first housing part can be handled and assembled separately on the connector element, making the overall assembly process easier. The two parts are then connected to form the complete covering hood, maintaining structural strength while improving handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second housing parts are designed to nest together, with the second housing part mounted on the first housing part. This nested structure allows separate handling of smaller components during assembly while forming a strong integrated unit when combined.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the openings are arranged directly one above the other, then cable routing is simplified, but the visual impression is poor and dust ingress is facilitated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable routingVSAvoiddust ingress and visual appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The openings in the first and second housing parts are arranged asymmetrically relative to each other. The opening in the first housing part is offset from the opening in the second housing part, creating a staggered configuration. This asymmetric arrangement prevents direct alignment that would facilitate dust ingress while maintaining effective cable routing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The second housing part acts as an intermediary barrier between the external environment and the connector element slots. By positioning the opening in the second housing part offset from the opening in the first housing part, the second housing part effectively blocks the direct path for dust and dirt to reach the slots, while still allowing cables to pass through both openings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2806506B1Cover to be arranged on a multi-pin connector element
Publication Date: 2016.07.06 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2806506B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2806506B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2806506B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The utility model relates to a protection cover which is arranged on a multipole plug element. The protection cover is provided with a first shell piece, a second shell piece, first openings and second openings, wherein the second shell piece forms a covering component; the first openings are used for enabling wires fixed on the plug element to pass through, and the first openings extend on the first shell piece and the second shell piece; the second openings are used for enabling the wires fixed on the plug element to pass through, and the second openings extend on the first shell piece and the second shell piece; and the first openings are directly abutted against the plug element at a state that the protection cover is installed on the multipole plug element, the second opening and the first openings are formed at intervals, a plane unfolded through the first openings and a plane unfolded through the second openings form an included angle within the range of 40 degrees to 90 degrees, and preferably, the formed included angle is within the range of 50 degrees to 80 degrees.