Connector Holding Frame With Trapezoidal Taper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding frames for connectors lack efficient mechanisms for securely fastening modules with reduced plug-in force and material usage, while maintaining flexibility and stability.
Innovation Solution
The holding frame features trapezoidal tapering cheek parts made of spring-elastic sheet metal, allowing for uniform deformation and reduced spring stiffness, which reduces the required plug-in force and enables improved locking mechanisms with optimized material distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rectangular cheek parts with constant width are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but uniform stress distribution and elastic deflection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cheek part transitions from a rectangular symmetric shape to a trapezoidal asymmetric shape with varying width. The first portion has a greater width than the second portion, creating intentional geometric asymmetry that produces uniform stress distribution during module insertion while maintaining structural functionality.
2Ease of operation
If spring stiffness is reduced for lower plug-in force, then insertion ease is improved, but locking reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the cheek part are given different widths to create localized functional zones. The first portion with greater width provides structural support and elastic deflection for easy insertion, while the second portion with reduced width optimizes spring stiffness and contact pressure for reliable module retention, achieving both ease of operation and reliability through spatially differentiated properties.
3Loss of substance
If material is reduced to save resources, then manufacturing cost decreases, but structural integrity and holding capability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cheek part geometry is optimized by changing the width parameter along its length. The width transitions from a larger value in the first portion to a smaller value in the second portion, creating a trapezoidal profile. This parameter variation allows material to be concentrated where structurally necessary while reducing material usage in less critical areas, achieving both cost efficiency and structural integrity.
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
The trapezoidal tapering design enhances module insertion and locking efficiency, reduces material usage, and provides stable module retention with lower insertion forces, while maintaining flexibility and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one cheek part consisting of resilient sheet metal
Implementation Method 2
a uniformly distributed bending stress over the length of the cheek part and thus a uniform deformation of the cheek part over the bending length
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a retaining frame (100) for a connector for installation in a metallic connector housing and for protective earthing of the same, as well as for receiving similar and/or different modules (200), wherein the retaining frame (100) is formed from at least two different materials, at least one of which is electrically conductive, wherein the retaining frame (100) has a base frame (10) and at least one side part (16), wherein the base frame (10) is designed as a die-cast part, and wherein the at least one side part (16) consists of spring-elastic sheet metal, wherein the at least one side part (16) has a trapezoidal taper.