Contact Insert Locking Frame for Fast Connector Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector technologies require a long time to releasably secure a contact insert into a connector housing due to the use of screw connections, which is inefficient for quick and secure attachment.

Innovation Solution

A plug connector design featuring a contact insert with a fastening frame that includes a fixing body, a fixing element, and a locking element, allowing for easy and quick attachment and detachment by matching holding shapes within the connector housing, ensuring a secure and detachable fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw connections are used to secure the contact insert in the connector housing, then the connection is reliable and firm, but the time required for insertion and removal is long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinsertion time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The holding means is divided into multiple independent holding means (first holding means and second holding means) that can independently engage with corresponding holding forms. This segmentation allows the contact insert to be secured by multiple distributed connection points simultaneously, achieving reliable fixation without requiring sequential screw operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the traditional screw connection system with a snap-fit system consisting of holding means with locking elements that engage with holding forms. This substitution eliminates the need for threading and tightening operations, enabling rapid insertion and removal while maintaining secure connection through elastic locking mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If screw connections are used to secure the contact insert, then the fastening is secure, but the operation complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening securityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding means incorporates self-aligning and self-latching features where the locking elements automatically engage with the holding forms upon insertion. The elastic elements provide automatic tensioning and locking without requiring manual adjustment or tightening operations, making the operation simple while ensuring secure fastening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The holding means is pre-configured with locking elements and elastic components that are ready to engage immediately upon insertion. The geometric design of the holding means and holding forms ensures automatic alignment and engagement, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning or multiple adjustment steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4492586A1Connector with contact insert attachment

Publication Date: 2025.01.15 HARTING ELECTRIC STIFTUNG & CO KG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical connector comprising a connector housing with a cable entry opening, a connection opening, at least one retaining element, and at least one contact insert. The contact insert accommodates at least one contact element and/or at least one connector module and/or half a connector module and has at least one mounting frame. The mounting frame has at least one second retaining element, wherein the second retaining element corresponds to the first retaining element and wherein at least one retaining means interacts with the first retaining element and the corresponding second retaining element.