Plug-In Connector Frame Assembly With Snap Lock and Spring Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector assemblies require complex assembly processes due to the need for screw connections between the holder frame and the housing part, which complicates the mechanical and electrical connection.

Innovation Solution

The assembly features a holder frame with a recording room for contact applications and a housing part with a recording opening, utilizing a spring element and a locking element to establish a secure, reliable connection without screw connections. The spring element provides elastic behavior for electrical contact, while the locking element ensures mechanical locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a screw connection is used to connect the holding frame to the housing part, then the mechanical strength and reliability of the connection is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the screw connection from the assembly process. Instead of using traditional screw fastening, the patent employs a snap-in mechanism where the holding frame is directly inserted into the housing part and locked into position, removing the intermediate screw fastening step entirely while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding frame incorporates self-locking features that automatically engage with the housing part upon insertion. The frame's geometry and material properties enable it to self-fasten without external fastening elements, allowing the assembly to service itself during the connection process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Strength

If a screw connection is used to connect the holding frame to the housing part, then the mechanical strength of the connection is improved, but the assembly time and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding frame is pre-designed with integrated locking features and geometric shapes that enable direct insertion and automatic locking into the housing part. This preliminary design eliminates the need for sequential screw fastening operations, allowing the connection to be established in a single insertion motion, thereby significantly improving assembly productivity while maintaining connection strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a spring element is used to provide electrical contact, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contact reliabilityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, structural alignment, and electrical contact through the integrated spring element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate electrical contact components, maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring reliable electrical connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element is merged with the holding frame structure, combining the mechanical support function and electrical contact function into a single integrated component. This merging reduces the total number of parts and simplifies the overall connector structure while ensuring reliable electrical contact through the spring's elastic properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for screw connections, ensuring a secure and reliable mechanical and electrical connection between the holder frame and the housing part, while allowing for easy disassembly.

Implementation Method 1

The spring element is characterized by elastic behavior

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic behavior: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4104253B1Assembly of a plug-in connector part, plug-in connector part and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4104253B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4104253B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4104253B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly (100) of a plug-in connector part, comprising - a holding frame (111) which has a receiving space (141) for receiving at least one contact insert and has at least one flange section (119), - a housing part (110) which has a receiving opening (112), into which the holding frame (111) can be inserted in an insertion direction (E), and has at least one support section (117) formed in the receiving opening (112), - at least one locking element (126) which is arranged on the holding frame (111), wherein the locking element (126), in an inserted position, is in engagement with the housing part (110) in order to lock the holding frame (111) to the housing part (110), and - at least one spring element (118) which is arranged on the at least one flange section (119) and, for forming an electrical contact-connection between the holding frame (111) and the housing part (110), rests on the at least one support section (117) and is moved to a stressed state.