Multi-terminal Connector Socket with Quick Panel Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-contact connector bases face challenges such as lengthy assembly/disassembly times, requirement for tools, and limited accessibility for disassembly, along with inadequate holding force under mechanical stresses like vibrations or tensile forces.
Innovation Solution
A connector base design featuring sliding attachment means with springs for quick assembly/disassembly, allowing attachment to a wide range of panel thicknesses, and optional tool-assisted disassembly from the opposite side, enhancing mechanical strength with inclined ramp hooks and multiple hooks for improved stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw/nut fixing means are used, then the connector base can withstand severe mechanical stresses, but the assembly and disassembly time becomes relatively long and tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is divided into multiple independent hooks (typically three or more) distributed around the connector base perimeter. Each hook can be independently actuated by separate tabs, allowing partial disassembly or selective engagement. This segmentation enables faster assembly compared to traditional screw systems while maintaining structural integrity through distributed load bearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector base incorporates spring-loaded hooks that automatically engage with the panel opening when the tabs are released. The springs provide the necessary force for self-locking without requiring tools or additional actuation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for screwdrivers or wrenches, reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable mechanical attachment.
2Ease of operation
If a single clip with two hooks is used, then assembly is simple, but the holding force is low and cannot withstand severe mechanical stresses
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hook mechanisms are merged into a single integrated connector base structure. The hooks work together as a system, with each hook contributing to the total holding force. This combination of multiple hooks (typically three or more) provides cumulative attachment force that can withstand severe mechanical stresses while maintaining the simplicity of a single-piece attachment design.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are pre-loaded during assembly to store elastic energy that provides continuous outward force on the hooks. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the hooks maintain constant contact pressure against the panel opening, preventing loosening under vibration or mechanical stress while requiring only simple tab actuation for assembly.
3Reliability
If fixed attachment means are used, then the connector base is securely fixed, but assembly and disassembly require tools and cannot be performed quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic state during assembly and disassembly. The tabs can be manually actuated to dynamically change the hook position between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic capability allows rapid tool-free assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure fixed attachment during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between fixing security and assembly speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the hooks changes from retracted to extended as they engage with the panel opening. This parameter change in hook extension provides audible and tactile feedback confirming secure attachment. The spring force parameter automatically adjusts to maintain optimal contact pressure, ensuring reliable fixing while enabling quick assembly through simple tab depression without tools.
4Device complexity
If disassembly is only possible from one face of the panel, then the fixing structure is simple, but accessibility is limited in certain installation scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The connector base incorporates tabs positioned on multiple sides of the housing, making the disassembly mechanism universal and accessible from various directions. This multi-functional tab arrangement allows operators to disassemble the connector base from the front, rear, or sides depending on accessibility requirements. The same basic hook-spring mechanism serves multiple access points, maintaining structural simplicity while dramatically improving ease of operation in limited access scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is extended from a single-plane design to a three-dimensional arrangement with tabs positioned on multiple faces of the housing. This dimensional expansion allows access to the disassembly mechanism from any direction around the connector base. The hooks remain structurally simple, but their positioning in multiple spatial dimensions provides operational flexibility without increasing fundamental mechanism complexity.
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 rapid, tool-free assembly/disassembly and robust fixation to panels, effectively withstanding mechanical stresses, while accommodating various panel thicknesses and limited access scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
two springs (10) each mounted free in a housing (11) of the box (3) and each bearing against the housing (11) and against an attachment part (7), each spring (10) exerting on the box (3) a thrust force perpendicular to the axis (X) of the case (3), at least in an extended position and in the absence of support on a corresponding tongue (9)
Implementation Method 2
deformation of the two elastically deformable upper fixing hooks
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
Connector base (1), in particular for a multi-contact connector, intended to be fixed to a panel (2), comprising a housing (3) configured to be partially housed in an opening (22) in a panel, characterized in that it comprises: - two attachment means, each comprising at least one hook (8, 8m, 8f) for fixing the housing, at least one attachment means (8, 8m) being slidably mounted on the housing, transversely to its axis (X), between at least one retracted release position and at least one deployed fixing position; the two attachment means moving apart from each other when at least the sliding one slides from its retracted position to its deployed position; - at least one tab (9) serving as a finger rest for an operator, extending from one lateral side of the housing, each tab being connected to a sliding latching means to slide it from a deployed position to a retracted position when an operator presses on it;- at least one spring (10), separate from the fastening means, each spring having one end connected to the housing and the other end connected to a sliding fastening means, and exerting on the latter a thrust force transverse to the axis (X) of the housing, at least in a deployed position and in the absence of support on the corresponding tab.;