Heating Cost Distributor Rotary Connector Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating cost distributors face challenges in remote mounting due to complex soldering requirements and the need for expensive connector parts, which are not cost-effective for most assemblies, and pose risks of damaging the electronic card during connection.

Innovation Solution

A connecting cable system with a connector arrangement featuring a circular keyhole orifice and indexing elements, allowing for low-force connection to the electronic card without deformation, using a piston contact and rotary actuating member for easy assembly and disassembly without specialized tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If soldering is used to connect the connecting cable to the electronic card, then a secure electrical connection is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and difficult to perform on site

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the soldering process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical press-fit connection system. The connector features a press-fit interface with positioning elements that mechanically secure the connecting cable to the electronic card without requiring heat or soldering, thereby maintaining connection reliability while dramatically simplifying the assembly process for on-site installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a conventional electrical connector arrangement is used, then the connecting cable can be easily connected, but expensive connector parts must be included in all distributors even when remote assembly is not needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection easeVSAvoiddistributor complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing the press-fit connector interface only at the specific location on the electronic card where the connecting cable needs to be attached, rather than incorporating a complete conventional connector assembly throughout the distributor. This localized approach enables easy connection where needed while avoiding the cost and complexity of universal connector parts in all distributor units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If force is applied to the electronic card during connector insertion, then the connecting cable can be secured, but the electronic card may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidcard damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates beforehand cushioning through the press-fit connector design that distributes insertion forces across multiple contact points and uses elastic deformation of the connector housing to absorb insertion shock. The positioning elements and flexible contact surfaces are designed to cushion the electronic card against excessive forces during connector insertion, thereby securing the connection while preventing card damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Device complexity

If the distributor is designed for direct mounting only, then the design is simpler, but it cannot be used for remote mounting applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidmounting versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the distributor with a standardized press-fit connector interface that enables both direct mounting and remote mounting configurations. The same basic distributor unit can be used in either configuration by simply connecting or disconnecting the connecting cable, providing mounting versatility without requiring multiple specialized designs or additional complex components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2618121B1Heating cost distributor and linking cable for remote installation
Publication Date: 2015.04.01 ITRON FRANCE
  • EP2618121B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2618121B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B
  • EP2618121B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

The allocator (1) has a main electronic card (1B) including a contact (4) for connection of a connecting cable (3) to an auxiliary element for remote measurement of the temperature of a heating element to shunt a temperature sensor and to connect an operational sensor of the auxiliary element to the card. The card includes, close to the contact, an arrangement for connection of a connector (5) of the cable, where the connection is effected by passage through the card and by rotation parallel to a surface of the card.