Contact Module Catch Element Nesting for Unintentional Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular plug type connectors face issues with catch elements being unintentionally actuated, leading to inadvertent release of contact modules and potential damage, and are complex to produce due to their design.
Innovation Solution
The counter-catch element is arranged partially in a pocket on the contact module, with a catch element having an inclined ramp member and catch portion, protected by the housing, which reduces the risk of damage and simplifies production by being integrated within the module shaft and accessible for unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If catch elements are fitted laterally to the housing as in prior art, then the contact module can be engaged in the module shaft, but the catch elements can be unintentionally actuated and the contact module can be inadvertently released
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-catch element is arranged at the rear end of the contact module and nested within the module shaft structure. The catch element is received within a recess in the module shaft, creating a nested configuration where the engagement components are housed within the structural elements rather than protruding laterally, preventing unintentional actuation while maintaining engagement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of fitting catch elements laterally to the housing as in prior art, the invention inverts the arrangement by placing the counter-catch element at the rear end of the contact module and the catch element within a recess in the module shaft. This inverted configuration changes the engagement direction from lateral to axial, eliminating the vulnerability to lateral forces that cause unintentional actuation
2Reliability
If catch elements are fitted laterally to the housing as in prior art, then the contact module can be engaged in the module shaft, but the catch elements can become damaged when the plug type connector is handled
Solution Approach 1:
The catch element is received within a recess in the module shaft, and the counter-catch element is positioned at the rear end within the module shaft structure. This nested arrangement protects the catch elements from external mechanical damage during handling, as they are housed within the structural elements rather than exposed laterally on the housing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional lateral catch element arrangement by placing engagement components at the rear end and within recesses, changing them from exposed external features to protected internal elements. This inversion inherently increases damage resistance by shielding the catch elements from handling stresses
3Reliability
If catch elements are fitted laterally to the housing as in prior art, then the contact module can be engaged in the module shaft, but the catch elements are complex to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-catch element is integrated into the rear end structure of the contact module, and the catch element is formed as part of the module shaft recess structure. This merging of engagement elements with structural components simplifies production by eliminating separate manufacturing steps for lateral catch elements and their assembly to the housing
Solution Approach 2:
By inverting the catch element arrangement from lateral to axial/rear-end positioning, the invention enables the catch elements to be formed directly as integral parts of the module shaft and contact module structures, significantly simplifying production compared to the complex assembly required for lateral catch elements
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a housing (2, 2', 2'') for an electrical connector element (1, 1', 1''), having at least one module shaft (23) which has an introduction opening (22) through which at least one contact module (3, 3', 3'') which is configured to receive electrical contact elements can be introduced into the module shaft (23) in an introduction direction (E), and having at least one catch element (28, 28', 28'') for securing the contact module (3, 3', 3'') against being pulled out of the module shaft (23) counter to the introduction direction (E). The invention further relates to a contact module (3, 3', 3'') for an electrical connector element (1, 1', 1''), having at least one contact element receiving member (31) for receiving an electrical contact element, the contact module (3, 3', 3'') being constructed so as to be able to be introduced with a rear end (35) at the front in an introduction direction (E) into a module shaft (23) of a housing (2, 2', 2'') of the connector element (1, ', 1'') and having at least one counter-catch element (38, 38', 38'') in order to secure the contact module (3, 3', 3'') against being pulled out of the module shaft (23) counter to the introduction direction (E). Finally, the invention relates to an electrical connector element (1, 1', 1'') having a housing (2, 2', 2'') which is constructed according to the invention and having at least one contact module (3, 3', 3'') which is constructed according to the invention. In order to be able to better form and protect the engagement of the contact module (3, 3', 3'') in the housing (2, 2', 2''), there is provision according to the invention for the at least one catch element (28, 28', 28'') to be arranged at a rear end (27) of the module shaft (23) remote from the introduction opening (22) or for the at least one counter-catch element (38, 38', 38'') to be arranged at the rear end (35).