Connector With Half-Open Contact Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors require a fixing sleeve with bores for inserting contacts, complicating assembly and increasing component count.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a carrier body with half-open contact chambers that is inserted into a connector sleeve formed by two parts, with longitudinal ribs for fixing pin or socket contacts, eliminating the need for insulating plug housing openings and using a pressure screw for fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixing sleeve with bores is used for inserting contacts, then contacts can be securely fixed, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier body integrates both the contact holding function and the fixation function into a single component. The longitudinal ribs formed directly on the carrier body serve as fixing elements, eliminating the need for a separate fixing sleeve with bores. This merging of functions reduces component count while maintaining secure contact fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation function is extracted from a separate fixing sleeve and integrated directly into the carrier body through longitudinally extending ribs. This extraction eliminates the need for the complex fixing sleeve assembly while preserving the essential fixation capability.
2Ease of operation
If openings are provided in the insulating plug housing for contact insertion, then contacts can be inserted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The concept of openings in an insulating housing is entirely removed. Instead, the carrier body provides direct access to contact chambers through its open structure, and contacts are guided by longitudinal ribs without requiring any insulating housing with cutouts.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: the carrier body with contact chambers holds the contacts, while the connector sleeve with longitudinal ribs provides fixation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function without requiring complex integrated structures.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for connector assembly, then functionality is achieved, but handling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier body is pre-configured with contact chambers and positioning features that guide contacts into correct alignment before final assembly. The longitudinal ribs are pre-formed to provide automatic alignment during the insertion process, reducing the skill and care required during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into two main segments: the carrier body containing contacts and the connector sleeve providing fixation. This segmentation into two rather than three or more components simplifies handling while maintaining reliable contact alignment through the interface between segments.
Data Source
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AI summary
The connector assembly has a pin contact or bushing contact (40) which is inserted in half opened contact cells (31) aligned electrically with the single conductors and along a support body (30). The support body is inserted in a connector sleeve (3) surrounding the support body. The connector sleeve has connector parts (10,15) which are arranged on a support sleeve (20) which is opened on both sides. The pin contact or bushing contact are aligned in the half opened contact cells of the support body, and are fixed by longitudinal ribs arranged in the support sleeve.