Contact Housing Spring Retention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact systems for clean-body and lance contacts face a compromise in construction that often results in a suboptimal primary retention force, as filigree elements are tasked with both latching and retaining electrical lines, leading to inadequate retention strength.
Innovation Solution
The contact housing design separates the latching and retaining functions into independent construction elements, utilizing a spring mechanism and a rigid undercut in the contact chamber to achieve high primary retention force, allowing individual or collective locking of contact bodies through a simple process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If filigree elements are used to perform both latching and retaining functions, then the construction is simplified, but the primary retention force is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the contact chamber into two independent functional elements: a latching hook for latching the contact body and a rigid undercut for retaining the electrical line. This segmentation allows each element to specialize in one function, with the undercut specifically designed to provide high retention force without being overloaded by the dual-function requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different regions of the contact chamber. The undercut is designed with rigid construction elements and appropriate geometry to provide high retention force locally, while the latching hook maintains its flexible filigree nature for latching functionality. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing high retention force where needed without compromising overall construction simplicity.
2Force
If rigid construction elements are used for retaining electrical lines, then the primary retention force is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the latching hook and the rigid undercut into a single integrated contact chamber structure. Both elements are formed as one piece, eliminating the need for separate components. This merging approach provides high retention force through the rigid undercut while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate parts, assembly steps, or additional fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact chamber serves multiple functions through its integrated design: it provides latching via the hook, retention via the undercut, and structural support for the electrical line. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single element, avoiding the need for separate specialized components that would increase device 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
This design enables high retention force without overloading filigree elements, ensuring secure engagement and easy assembly, while allowing for smooth operation and detection of mispositioned contact bodies.
Implementation Method 1
contact housing (1) having a spring (70) which is able to be displaced in its position within the contact chamber (3)
Data Source
AI summary
In a contact housing having a contact chamber for accommodating a contact body which can be inserted into the contact chamber through an assembly opening in a direction of insertion, in an operational position of the contact body in which it is stopped within the contact chamber, at least one element of contact chamber is lying against a stopping surface (support surface), of contact body, which generally points in a direction opposite to the insertion direction in such a way that the removal of the contact body is generally prevented counter to the insertion direction, the present invention provides that a center axis of the assembly opening has a lateral offset transversely to the direction of insertion with respect to a center axis of the stopped contact body; that in the contact chamber, in the direction of insertion, behind the assembly opening, a displaceably situated, elastically flexible spring is provided that extends into the path of the contact body, which narrows the path for the contact body and can be deflected by the contact body, and which is designed to be stressed in an assembly position during the insertion of the contact body.