Connector Module Sliding Handles for Tool-Free Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional connector modules require additional tools for maintenance and are often discarded when a single terminal is broken, leading to material waste and increased costs due to inconvenient disassembly and repair processes.
Innovation Solution
The connector module design includes a base with resilience arms and sliding handles on the conduct module, allowing for direct removal of the conduct module from the base without additional tools by gripping the handles, facilitating maintenance and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If terminal holes are fixed in the connector base with screws, then the connector structure is stable and reliable, but the maintenance becomes inconvenient requiring additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate modules: a base and a conduct module that can be independently removed. The conduct module containing terminal holes is detached from the base through the resilience arms mechanism, allowing maintenance of individual components rather than the entire connector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilience arms provide a dynamic locking mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. When the conduct module is inserted, the resilience arms automatically lock it in place; when handles are pulled, the resilience arms release, enabling easy removal without tools.
2Reliability
If the entire connector module is discarded when one terminal is broken, then the reliability is maintained, but material waste and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into a reusable base and a replaceable conduct module. When terminal holes or terminals in the conduct module fail, only the conduct module needs to be replaced while the base remains functional, reducing material waste and costs compared to discarding the entire connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective discarding of only the damaged conduct module while recovering and reusing the intact base. This partial replacement strategy reduces material waste and operational costs while maintaining system reliability.
3Strength
If screws are used to lock the terminal block on the base, then the connection is secure, but additional hand tools are required for disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The resilience arms with integrated handles create a self-service mechanism where the connector's own structural elements serve as the removal tool. Users simply pull the handles to activate the resilience arms and remove the conduct module, eliminating the need for external hand tools like screwdrivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilience arms transition from a static locked position to a dynamic released position when handles are pulled. This dynamic mechanism provides secure locking during operation while enabling easy tool-free removal when needed.
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
This design enhances maintenance convenience and reduces material waste by enabling tool-free removal of the conduct module, improving the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of connector module operations.
Implementation Method 1
The conduct module is installed in the insertion space and is pressed and positioned by the pair of resilience arms
Implementation Method 2
The pair of handles are coupled to opposite sides of the plug body and are capable of sliding with respect to the plug body respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A connector module includes a base, a conduct module and a pair of handles. The base includes a housing, an insertion space, and a pair of resilience arms. The conduct module is installed in the insertion space and is pressed and positioned by the pair of resilience arms. The conduct module includes a plug body and a plurality of conducting terminals disposed on the plug body. The pair of handles are coupled to opposite sides of the plug body and are capable of sliding with respect to the plug body respectively, the pair of handles are slidable in a direction away from the insertion space to take the conduct module disengaged from a press and a position of the pair of resilience arms so as to move out of the base.