Connector Housing Snap-In Assembly for Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In tight installation spaces, it is difficult to attach electrical connector housings directly to sensors or actuators due to the need for a large installation space for screwing, resulting in longer cable runs.
Innovation Solution
A plug housing with connecting means featuring external undercuts and lateral stop surfaces for a detachable snap-in connection with flexible arms, allowing tool-free attachment to a clamping element, such as a pipe clip, providing a stable and easy-to-assemble snap connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connector housings are screwed to carrier elements, then a secure connection is achieved, but a large installation space is required and longer cable runs are necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screwing mechanism with a snap-in connection mechanism. The connector housing features connecting means with undercuts that engage with flexible arms on the pipe clip, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and large installation spaces while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting means are divided into distinct functional elements: undercuts for latching engagement and lateral stop surfaces for positioning. This segmentation allows the connection to be achieved through simple insertion without requiring complex assembly tools or space
2Length of moving object
If connector housings are attached in immediate vicinity of sensors or actuators, then cable runs are shortened, but tool-free attachment becomes difficult in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The screwing operation is replaced with a simple snap-in action where the housing is pushed onto the pipe clip until the undercuts engage with the flexible arms. This eliminates the need for screwdrivers or other tools, making attachment feasible in tight spaces near sensors or actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible arms automatically engage with the undercuts when the housing is inserted, creating a self-latching connection that secures itself without requiring additional fastening operations or tools
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
Enables secure, tool-free attachment of electrical connector housings in tight spaces, reducing cable lengths and simplifying installation processes while maintaining a secure and rigid connection.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting means are designed at least in the shape of a segment of a circle in cross-section along a clamping region, into which the clamping element engages in the plugged-in state
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a housing (1, 1') for an electrical connector, characterized in that the housing (1, 1') comprises connecting means (10) for reversibly receiving flexible arms (5) of a clamping element (3) in a locking manner. The invention further relates to an assembly, comprising a housing (1, 1') according to one of the preceding claims and a clamping element (3) having at least two flexible arms (5), between which a receiving space (6) is defined, in which the connecting means (10) of the housing (1, 1') are reversibly held in a locking manner.