Modular Ethernet Connector Assembly for Replaceable Adapter Contacts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ethernet connectors for vehicles are susceptible to damage from physical strain caused by driving movements and extreme weather, which can impact both electrical and shielding contacts.

Innovation Solution

A versatile connector design featuring a connector housing with an ethernet cable end portion and an adapter receptacle, allowing for removably attached adapter contacts that can be easily exchanged, reducing waste and repair costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the connector is designed with fixed contacts, then the electrical connection is stable, but the repair cost and waste increase when contacts are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidrepair cost and waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into a housing and removable adapter contacts. The adapter contacts can be separated from the housing, allowing only the damaged contacts to be replaced rather than the entire connector. This segmentation enables selective replacement of worn or damaged contacts while retaining the intact housing and other functional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables recovery of the connector housing and functional components by allowing only the adapter contacts to be discarded and replaced. When contacts are damaged, users can remove just the affected adapter contacts and insert new ones, recovering the majority of the original connector components and reducing waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Ease of manufacture

If the connector is designed as a single integrated unit, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the adaptability to different connection needs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidconnection configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector housing and adapter contacts are designed as separate, modular components. The housing contains the basic structural elements and cable connections, while adapter contacts are separate pieces that can be removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the housing to be manufactured once and reused, while adapter contacts can be customized for different connection configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector housing is designed as a universal base that can accommodate different types of adapter contacts. The housing contains standardized receptacles that can receive various adapter contact configurations, enabling a single housing design to serve multiple connection purposes and adapt to different network requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4542786A1Connector, superconnector, and method for assembling a connector for establishing an ethernet connection

Publication Date: 2025.04.23 YAMAICHI ELECTRONICS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

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AI summary

A connector (10; 10a; 10b) for establishing an ethernet connection comprises a connector housing (40) and an ethernet cable end portion (20) entering the connector housing (40) at a cable end (13) of the connector (10) and comprising at least one twisted pair (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d) with two ending contacts (24a; 24b). At least one adapter receptacle (80) is provided at a connecting end (14) of the connector (10; 10a; 10b). Therein, each ending contact (24a; 24b) is electrically connected to an adapter contact (95a-d) and removably attached to the adapter receptacle (80).