Connector system with at least one first element and one second element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connection systems between metal elements often have significant play and do not form a tight connection, which can lead to issues such as foam leakage when trying to fill housings with insulating foam.
Innovation Solution
A plug connection system featuring flexible base bodies with specifically designed spacer and fastening sections, including a latching projection and undercut configuration, allowing for a tight, foam-tight connection without additional assembly steps, where the first spacer section forms a right angle on the inner surface and the second spacer section forms a U-shaped configuration with an undercut, enabling a reliable latching connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plug connection systems are used to connect metal elements, then the connection can be assembled, but significant play exists between elements and foam-tight sealing is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting section is segmented into three distinct functional parts: a spacer section (14, 24) that provides positioning and spacing, a fastening section (15, 25) that creates the latching connection, and an outer section (12, 22) that forms the visible surface. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function while working together to achieve both tightness and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the connector have specialized local properties: the spacer section has precise dimensional tolerances for positioning, the fastening section has the undercut geometry for latching, and the outer section has the finished surface appearance. This local quality optimization ensures that tightness is achieved where needed without complicating the entire structure.
2Reliability
If additional assembly steps or measures are added to achieve foam-tight connection, then sealing is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the spacer function and fastening function into a single integrated connecting section that is formed as one piece with the outer section. This eliminates the need for separate spacing components and fastening mechanisms, achieving foam-tight sealing through a single plug-in motion without additional assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design is self-contained, with the undercut in the fastening section automatically engaging with the complementary feature in the mating element during the plug-in operation. The spacer section self-positioning features guide the elements into correct alignment, and the latching action occurs automatically, all without requiring additional measures or steps.
3Ease of operation
If a simple plug-in movement is used for assembly, then ease of assembly is improved, but reliable latching connection and tight sealing may not be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening section utilizes a third dimension by creating an undercut geometry that extends beyond the plane of the spacer section. This dimensional feature allows the latching projection to engage deeply with the mating element, creating a secure mechanical interlock that prevents disengagement while being formed through standard bending operations from sheet material.
Data Source
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AI summary
Plug-in connection system (1) with at least one first element (10) and a second element (20), wherein the first element (10) has a bendable first base body (11) comprising a first outer surface (11a) and a first inner surface (11b), and the second element (20) has a bendable second base body (21) comprising a second outer surface (21a) and a second inner surface (21b), wherein the first base body (11) has a first outer section (12) and a first connecting section (13), a first spacer section (14) and a first fastening section (15), wherein the first spacer section (14) is arranged between the first outer section (12) and the first fastening section (15), and the second base body (21) has a second outer section (22) and a second connecting section (23), a second spacer section (24) and a second fastening section (25).wherein the second spacer section (24) is arranged between the second outer section (22) and the second fastening section (25), wherein the first spacer section (14) is arranged on the first outer section (12) forming a substantially right first angle (α1) formed on the first inner surface (11b), and the first fastening section (15) is arranged on the first spacer section (14) forming a substantially right second angle (α2) formed on the first outer surface (11a), wherein the second spacer section (24) is arranged on the second outer section (22) forming a substantially right third angle (α3) formed on the second inner surface (21b), and the second fastening section (25) is arranged on the second spacer section (24) forming a substantially right fourth angle (α4) formed on the second inner surface (21b),wherein the second fastening section (25) is approximately U-shaped with a first leg (25a) and a second leg (25b), wherein the first leg (25a) is arranged substantially parallel to the second outer section (22) and the second leg (25b) comprises an undercut (25c) when viewed in a insertion direction (x) parallel to the first outer section (12) and/or second outer section (22), and wherein the first fastening section (15) comprises a locking projection (15a) which engages behind the undercut (25c) when inserted in the insertion direction (x) into the second fastening section (25).