Plug Connector Insert Assembly Using Preassembled Actuator Latches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plug connector systems require high assembly effort and face difficulties in automated production, particularly when dealing with a large number of contact chambers and actuators.

Innovation Solution

A contact carrier device with a retaining plate and actuators featuring a common assembly catch for preassembly, allowing simultaneous insertion and snap-fitting of actuators onto the retaining plate, followed by joining the retaining plate to the contact carrier, simplifying the assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional assembly methods are used for plug connector inserts with multiple contact chambers and actuators, then the connector can be assembled, but the assembly effort becomes excessively high and automated production becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly effortVSAvoidnumber of contact chambers and actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple actuators with the retaining plate into a single integrated assembly unit. The actuators are arranged on the retaining plate such that they can be inserted and secured simultaneously as one unit, rather than being assembled individually. This merging of components directly reduces assembly effort while handling systems with multiple contact chambers and actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuators are pre-positioned and arranged on the retaining plate before the final assembly step. This preliminary arrangement allows the actuators to be ready for simultaneous insertion into the contact chambers, eliminating the need for individual assembly operations and significantly reducing the overall assembly effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If actuators are assembled individually into each contact chamber, then proper positioning is achieved, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple actuators are merged into a single assembly unit on the retaining plate, allowing them to be inserted into multiple contact chambers simultaneously. This merging approach enables parallel assembly operations, dramatically increasing assembly speed and reducing the time required compared to individual assembly of each actuator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining plate structure with integrated actuator arrangement allows the assembly to self-position during insertion. The actuators are held in their correct relative positions by the retaining plate, and during insertion, they automatically align with the contact chambers, eliminating the need for complex positioning operations and reducing assembly time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12438302B2Plug connector insert and method for the assembly thereof

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 HARTING ELECTRIC STIFTUNG & CO KG

AI summary

In order to facilitate the assembly of a plug connector insert with a contact carrier device, a contact carrier, a retaining plate and one or more actuators, an assembly latch for the pre-assembly of the actuators to the retaining plate is provided.