Electrical Connector Engagement Step for Flexible Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector systems for devices like lamps are inflexible regarding orientation, position, and number, often requiring mechanical mounting and cables, which can be cumbersome and unsafe in some situations.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector element with a elongated body and insertion part, featuring an engagement step surface, allows for flexible attachment to ceilings, walls, or floors in various orientations, providing both electrical and mechanical connection through a single step, using conductive or non-conductive materials and incorporating auxiliary contacts for grounding and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wall- or ceiling-mounted rails with integrated conductors are used for connecting electrical loads, then electrical connection is provided, but mechanical mounting flexibility is restricted due to fixed extension directions
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional components: electrical connector elements for power transmission and counter connector elements for mechanical support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with connector elements providing electrical connection and counter connector elements providing mechanical mounting in various orientations and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector element is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides electrical power transmission through conductive contacts while also enabling mechanical attachment through the engagement step mechanism. The same connector element can be used with different counter connector arrangements, making the system universally applicable across various mounting scenarios.
2Reliability
If separate mechanical mounting and electrical connection systems are used, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but installation effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector element combines electrical power transmission and mechanical attachment functions into a single integrated component. When the connector element is inserted into the counter connector element, both electrical contacts are established and mechanical attachment is achieved simultaneously through the engagement step mechanism, eliminating the need for separate mounting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement step is pre-formed on the connector element body, creating a ready-to-eng age feature that automatically interacts with the counter connector element during insertion. This preliminary preparation ensures that mechanical attachment and electrical connection occur in the correct sequence and with proper force distribution, enhancing both reliability and ease of installation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If electrical devices are mounted in fixed positions with visible non-used mounting points, then structural stability is maintained, but aesthetic appearance and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed, permanent mounting to a dynamic, reconfigurable configuration. Connector elements can be easily inserted into and removed from various counter connector positions, allowing the electrical device positioning to adapt to changing requirements while maintaining stable electrical and mechanical connections during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement step mechanism provides self-aligning and self-securing functionality. When the connector element is inserted, the engagement step automatically engages with the counter connector element, ensuring proper positioning and secure attachment without requiring additional fastening operations or leaving visible mounting hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical connector elements and electrical counter connector elements for coupling with each other. The electrical connector element includes an elongated connector element body and an insertion part that may be received in a receiving aperture of the counter connector element. The electrical connector element includes an engagement step with an engagement step surface at the transition of the connector element body and the insertion part. The electrical connector element and counter connector element include a corresponding main connector element contact and counter connector element contact. When inserting the insertion part into a receiving room of the electrical counter connector, a counter connector element front member of the counter connector element engages with the engagement step and the main connector element contact frontally contacts the counter connector element contact and an electrical connection as well as a simultaneous mechanical coupling is established.