D-subminiature Connector With Angled Terminal Block
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
D-subminiature connectors face challenges when installed in space-limited locations due to their design, which often results in difficulties with wire routing and hood application, leading to increased height and mounting issues.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design includes a D-subminiature connector assembly with a terminal block and a clamshell-type hood, featuring angled terminal openings and flexible strain relief portions, allowing for reduced height and secure cable management while ensuring the hood can be applied without overhang, accommodating various cable diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the terminal block has vertical terminal openings, then wire routing is simplified, but the height of the connector assembly increases and hood application becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal openings are changed from vertical orientation to angled orientation (e.g., 45 degrees from vertical). This parameter change allows wires to be routed at an angle rather than requiring vertical clearance, thereby reducing the overall height of the connector assembly while still enabling wire routing. The angled configuration allows the hood to be applied without excessive height requirements.
2Length of stationary object
If the connector assembly height is reduced, then hood application becomes feasible, but wire routing space is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal openings are angled (e.g., 45 degrees from vertical) rather than vertical, which changes the spatial orientation of wire routing. This allows wires to enter the terminal block from the side at an angle, providing routing space within a reduced height profile. The angled configuration optimizes the use of available space without compromising wire accessibility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the hood is made rigid, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different cable diameters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hood incorporates flexible strain relief portions that can dynamically adjust to different cable diameters. These flexible portions allow the rigid hood structure to adapt to varying cable sizes by flexing and conforming to the specific cable diameter, maintaining both structural stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hood includes flexible strain relief portions made from flexible material that can deform to accommodate different cable diameters. These flexible sections allow the hood to adapt to various cable sizes while the main body of the hood remains rigid for structural stability.
4Volume of moving object
If the terminal block is positioned close to the D-subminiature connector, then space is saved, but wire routing over the terminal block becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal openings are angled (e.g., 45 degrees from vertical) which changes the wire routing path. This angular configuration allows wires to be routed over the terminal block more easily, as the angled openings guide wires along a more accessible path, reducing the difficulty of wire routing even when the terminal block is positioned close to the connector.
Data Source
AI summary
In one exemplary embodiment, an electrical connector includes a D-subminiature connector assembly including a base, a D-subminiature connector mounted to the base, and a terminal block mounted to the base and spaced from the D-subminiature connector. The terminal block has individual terminal openings for receiving wires associated with an electrical cable. Each terminal opening is defined by an axis that intersects a plane containing the base. The electrical connector also includes a hood receiving and holding the D-subminiature connector assembly.