Contact Insert Fastening Frame for Quick Connector Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector technologies require a long time to detachably insert a contact carrier into a connector housing due to the use of screw connections, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A fastener system with a fastener body, fixing element, and locking element is used, where the fastening frame's second retention feature is coaxially aligned with the connector housing's first retention feature, allowing for quick and secure attachment and detachment of the contact insert using a locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw connections are used to fasten the contact insert to the connector housing, then the connection is reliable and firm, but the time required for attachment and detachment is long
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into distinct functional segments: a fastener body with a first retention feature for permanent housing attachment, a movable second retention feature for the contact insert, and a fixing element that transitions between locked and unlocked states. This segmentation allows the fastener to provide both secure permanent mounting and reversible contact insert fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The second retention feature is designed to be movable relative to the fastener body, transitioning between a locked position (where it engages the contact insert firmly) and an unlocked position (where it releases the contact insert). This dynamic capability enables quick attachment and detachment while maintaining connection reliability when locked.
2Strength
If multiple screw connections are used at the corners of the contact carrier, then the contact carrier is firmly secured, but the complexity of the fastening system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single integrated fastener component. The fastener combines the permanent mounting function (first retention feature attached to housing) with the reversible contact insert fastening function (second retention feature with movable element), eliminating the need for separate screws and fastening mechanisms at each corner.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fastener performs multiple functions: it provides permanent attachment to the housing through the first retention feature, secures the contact insert through the second retention feature, and enables quick release through the movable fixing element. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of fastening components needed while maintaining fastening strength.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is based on an electrical connector, having a connector housing with a cable feedthrough opening, a connection opening, at least one first retention feature and at least one contact insert. The contact insert accommodates at least one contact element and/or at least one connector module and/or a half connector module and has at least one fastening frame. The fastening frame has at least one second retention feature, wherein the second retention feature corresponds to the first retention feature, and wherein at least one fastener interacts with the first retention feature and the corresponding second retention feature.