Flame-Resistant Connector Housing Shield for Heat Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems, such as RAST connectors, face challenges in preventing heat dissipation and flame propagation to surrounding parts, particularly in fulfilling flammability tests like the nichrome wire test, due to complex geometries and limited material compatibility, which requires additional components and specific designs for each terminal type.
Innovation Solution
A connector component with a plate and fastening means made of high inflammability-resistant materials, such as metal or plastic, that can be easily adapted to different geometries and materials, providing a stable mechanical connection and complete coverage of heat-affected areas, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and made of high thermal-resistant polymers like polyphenylensulfide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rear cover is mechanically pushed into the terminal opening to provide insulation, then electrical insulation is improved, but device complexity increases and material compatibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flame retardant component with the existing connector housing structure by integrating it into the heat affected area, eliminating the need for a separate rear cover while maintaining electrical insulation and flame protection functions
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated flame retardant component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides flame protection, heat insulation, and electrical insulation, replacing the need for separate specialized components
2Reliability
If a cover is pushed into the terminal to isolate electric wires, then electrical safety is improved, but flame-retardant coverage is limited to a small portion of the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The flame retardant component extends in multiple spatial dimensions from the connector housing, projecting toward surrounding parts to provide comprehensive flame and heat protection across a larger surface area rather than being confined to a single directional cover
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flame retardant nylon compound is used for housing and cover, then flame propagation resistance is improved, but manufacturing cost and material selection are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing flame retardant properties of the connector housing material itself, which is already made from flame retardant compounds, eliminating the need for additional specialized flame retardant materials and maintaining manufacturing simplicity
4Manufacturing precision
If machine installation is required for the cover system, then assembly precision is improved, but productivity decreases and user assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism incorporates movable fastening elements that can be easily manipulated by hand to transition between locked and unlocked states, enabling quick assembly and disassembly without specialized equipment while maintaining secure connection
Data Source
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AI summary
Connector component for a connector suitable to reduce the heat dissipation and flame propagation within an appliance in which the connector is fitted comprising at least one plate and at least two fastening means for securing the connector component to the external surfaces of a connector housing, the connector component being made of a metal or plastic material having high inflammability resistance and being adapted to extend on more than one of the external surfaces of the connector housing.