Heavy Connector Holding Frame with Parallel Moving Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining frames for heavy connectors in industrial environments face issues with module fixation, leading to excessive play, mechanical stress, and potential loss of functionality due to flexible cheek parts, resulting in high mating and pulling forces, abrasion, and the risk of surge arcs.
Innovation Solution
A retaining frame with a robust zinc die-cast or aluminum base body and integrated fixing agents featuring parallel moving holding arms with snap hooks, which securely lock connector modules in a captive and reversible manner, enhancing mechanical stability and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible cheek parts are used to fix connector modules, then ease of insertion is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates causing excessive play and module tilt
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is divided into separate holding arms that can move independently. Each holding arm is equipped with a snap hook that engages with the latching nose of the connector module, allowing the arms to flex during insertion while providing rigid fixation once engaged, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and mechanical stability
Solution Approach 2:
The holding arms are designed to be dynamically movable during the insertion process, allowing them to swerve outwards to accommodate the connector module. Once the module is in place, the arms return to their original position and lock the module firmly, providing both ease of insertion and stable fixation
2Ease of manufacture
If flexible cheek parts are used for fixation, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to bending and loss of functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into multiple independent holding arms with snap hooks, distributing the mechanical stress across multiple points rather than concentrating it on flexible cheek parts. This segmentation prevents the bending and deformation that leads to failure, while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The snap hook design incorporates a cushioning effect where the hook engages with the latching nose in a controlled manner, absorbing mechanical shocks and preventing the sudden impacts that cause flexible cheek parts to bend and fail over time
3Ease of operation
If connector modules are loosely fixed, then ease of insertion is improved, but harmful factors increase due to abrasion and surge arcs
Solution Approach 1:
The holding arms are pre-positioned to guide the latching nose of the connector module during insertion. The snap hook engages with the latching nose in a controlled sequence, ensuring proper alignment and preventing tilting before the module is fully inserted, thereby preventing abrasion and surge arcs from the outset
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a stable and secure fixation of connector modules, reducing mechanical stress, preventing module tilt and abrasion, and ensuring reliable operation in harsh industrial environments while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
When a connector module is inserted into the retaining frame, these cheek parts are bent outwards from the side panel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a holding frame (1, 1', 1'', 1''') for a heavy plug-type connector. Identical and/or different plug-type connector modules (2) can be received in the holding frame. The holding frame (1, 1', 1'', 1''') consists of a main body (4) which has two side parts (3) which lie opposite one another, and at least one fixing means (6, 6', 6'', 6''', 6'''') which is held at least on a side part (3), and by way of which the plug-type connector modules (2) can be fixed within the main body (4) in one plane, wherein the at least one fixing means (6, 6', 6'', 6''', 6'''') has at least one holding arm (7, 7', 7'', 7''', 7'''') which moves parallel to the plane of the side parts (3) during the introduction of a plug-type connector module (2) into the holding frame (1, 1', 1'', 1'''). As a result, plug-type connector modules (2) can be introduced into the holding frame (1, 1', 1'', 1''') particularly simply and even in the installed state of said holding frame (1, 1', 1'', 1'''). At the same time, the holding frame variant which is shown here is more stable than the previously known holding frames which have the same functionality.