Connector Assembly With Split Pitch Positioning for Faster Molding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The production of connectors with a contact pitch greater at the contact face than at the exit face is laborious and time-consuming due to the need for complex inlay molding processes.

Innovation Solution

A connector assembly comprising a separate housing part for the exit face and a positioning part for the contact face, allowing for simpler injection molding of the housing without embedded contact elements, with the positioning part attached later to set the contact pitch and enhance mechanical stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If contact elements are embedded in the housing part using inlay molding, then the pitch at the contact face can be greater than at the exit face, but the production process becomes laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepitch variationVSAvoidproduction throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate components: a housing part formed by simple injection molding and a positioning part that defines the contact face pitch. These parts are produced separately and then assembled together, eliminating the need for complex inlay molding while maintaining the required pitch variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning part is prepared in advance with the correct pitch geometry for the contact face. This positioning part is then attached to the housing part in a separate assembly step, allowing the housing to be produced quickly through simple injection molding without time-consuming embedded contact element processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If contact elements are embedded in the housing part, then the pitch can be controlled, but the manufacturing process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepitch controlVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The function of defining the contact face pitch is extracted from the housing part and assigned to a separate positioning part. This allows the housing part to be manufactured through simple injection molding without embedded contact elements, while the positioning part separately provides the precise pitch control needed at the contact face.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly is segmented into a housing part and a positioning part with distinct functions. The housing part provides structural support and guidance, while the positioning part specifically defines the contact face pitch, simplifying the manufacturing of each component while maintaining overall precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the housing part is produced without contact elements in the cavity, then production time is reduced, but the contact face pitch must be established separately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjection molding throughputVSAvoidassembly steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning part is designed and prepared in advance with the correct pitch geometry. This allows the housing part to be quickly produced through simple injection molding without time-consuming embedded contact element processes. The positioning part is then attached in a subsequent assembly step to establish the contact face pitch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4492583A1Assembly for a connector, and method of producing a connector
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 TE CONNECTIVITY BELGIUM BV
  • EP4492583A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4492583A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4492583A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to assembly (20) for a connector (100), wherein at a contact face (51) of the connector (100) a pitch (83, 85) of contact elements (60) is greater than at an exit face (51) of the connector (100), wherein the assembly (20) comprises a housing part (30) forming the exit face (31), and a separate positioning part (50) forming the contact face (51), wherein the positioning part (50) is adapted to be attached to the housing part (30). Further, the invention relates to a method of producing a connector (100), wherein a pitch (83, 85) of contact elements (60) is greater at a contact face (51) of the connector (100) than at an exit face (31) of the connector (100), wherein a positioning part (50) forming the contact face (51) is attached to a matching, separate housing part (30) forming the exit face (31).