Connector Housing Ridge Bridge for Clean, Secure Mating

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector assemblies lack effective protection against contamination and secure fixation of inserted complementary connectors, particularly due to gaps and ridges that allow ingress of dust and moisture and potential accidental disconnection.

Innovation Solution

A limiting element bridges the intermediate space of the edge or ridge in the insertion opening, forming a partial boundary and serving as a lock, while also incorporating a locking assembly to prevent incorrect insertion and enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism is provided in a recess at the edge of the housing, then the complementary connector can be locked to prevent unintentional removal, but the intermediate space of the edge or ridge allows ingress of dust and moisture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanismVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A limiting element is introduced as an intermediary component that bridges the intermediate space of the edge or ridge. This limiting element extends into the insertion opening and forms a continuation of the edge or ridge, effectively sealing the gap without interfering with the locking mechanism's function. The limiting element acts as a mediator that prevents contamination while maintaining the locking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting element extends in a new dimensional direction by projecting into the insertion opening from the edge or ridge. This creates an additional protective barrier in the insertion opening area, forming a partial boundary that prevents contamination from entering through the intermediate space, while the locking mechanism continues to operate in its original plane.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the insertion opening is bounded by an edge or ridge with a circumferentially limited recess, then the locking mechanism can be accommodated, but the intermediate space reduces structural integrity and allows contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism accommodationVSAvoidcross-sectional integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The protective structure is segmented into two functional parts: the original edge or ridge that accommodates the locking mechanism, and the additional limiting element that bridges the intermediate space. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to remain functional while the limiting element provides additional structural support and contamination protection in the insertion opening area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting element is pre-formed and integrated into the housing structure before the connector assembly is finalized. By providing this limiting element in advance, the intermediate space is already bridged and protected against contamination before any insertion or operation takes place, preventing potential damage to the locking mechanism or connector contacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the limiting element forms a partial boundary in the insertion opening, then protection against contamination is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination protectionVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting element is merged with the existing housing structure, forming an integrated component that combines the functions of structural support, contamination protection, and guidance for the complementary connector. By merging these functions into a single element, the overall device complexity is minimized while achieving multiple protective and functional goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it bridges the intermediate space to prevent contamination ingress, forms a partial boundary in the insertion opening to protect contacts, provides structural support to enhance cross-sectional integrity, and guides the insertion of the complementary connector. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12525745B2Connector assembly

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 NEUTRIK

AI summary

A connector assembly for electrical connectors, including a housing (1) with electrical contacts (5) located therein and an insertion opening (3) for a complementary connector. The insertion opening is bounded on the insertion side primarily by an edge section (7) or a ridge rising above the insertion-side end face, and has a circumferentially bounded recess (8) in the region of the outer edge of the insertion opening. The recess includes an intermediate space between two mutually facing sections (7a) of the edge or ridge. A limiting element (10, 15) at least partially limits the intermediate space of the edge or ridge in the region of the circumferentially limited recess in the region of the outer edge of the insertion opening and bridges it as its continuation. On its side facing the insertion opening the limiting element forms a partial region of the boundary of the insertion opening.