Modular Connector Housing With Removable Adapters for Mixed Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular electrical plug connector systems face challenges in accommodating different types of connector modules without redesigning the connector housing, leading to high manufacturing costs and complexity, especially in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular connector housing system that uses standardized adapters to support and lock various types of connector modules, allowing for multiple configurations without requiring a new bottom plate, utilizing features like locking tabs, grooves, and slots for easy adaptation and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different types of connector modules are accommodated in a connector housing with fixed slots, then the connector housing can support specific module configurations, but redesigning the bottom plate is required for each new configuration, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is divided into a standardized base structure and removable adapter components. Each adapter is designed to fit into the standardized base and provides specific support features for different module types. This segmentation allows the base housing to remain unchanged while adapters are swapped to accommodate different configurations, reducing the need to redesign the entire housing for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized connector housing base is designed with universal features including uniform slot dimensions, consistent locking mechanisms, and generic support surfaces that can accommodate multiple module types. Adapters serve as universal intermediaries that enable the same base housing to support different connector module configurations through simple adapter replacement rather than housing redesign.
2Ease of manufacture
If a standardized bottom plate is used for all connector module configurations, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but existing connector modules cannot be properly supported and locked without additional adapter components
Solution Approach 1:
Adapters serve as intermediary components between the standardized connector housing base and various connector module types. These adapters provide the necessary support surfaces, locking features, and dimensional adaptations that enable incompatible module types to be properly mounted in the standardized housing, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving configuration versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter components are designed to be nested within or attached to the standardized connector housing base. Each adapter fits into the universal slots of the base housing, creating a nested structure where the adapter provides module-specific features while the base housing provides the standardized framework. This nesting approach allows a single base design to support multiple module configurations through layered adaptation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a connector housing (100, 500, 700) of a modular electrical plug connector system, the connector housing (100, 500, 700) comprising: a plurality of passages (103, 503, 703) arranged side by side, each passage (103, 503, 703) being configured for accommodating and locking an electrical connector module of a first predetermined type (300); wherein at least one passage (103, 503, 703) comprises an adapter receiving interface (121, 123, 521, 721, 723) configured for receiving, in a removable manner, an adapter (200, 600, 800) for supporting and locking an electrical connector module of a second predetermined type (400), different from the first predetermined type (300).The present invention also relates to a corresponding adapter (200, 600, 800).