Hinged Connector Housing for Multi-Angle Cable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector housings require multiple variations to accommodate different cable orientations and diameters, leading to increased production and storage costs due to space constraints and limited adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A housing design featuring a pair of hinged cable covers with strain relief springs that can pivot to form a cable support sleeve, allowing for adjustable orientation and diameter accommodation, integrated with grounding and fixation latches for secure cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple housing variations are provided for different cable orientations and diameters, then adaptability is improved, but production costs and storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a stationary part and a movable cover part that can pivot between positions. This segmentation allows a single housing design to accommodate multiple cable orientations (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) by positioning the cable cover appropriately, eliminating the need for multiple housing variations and reducing production and storage costs while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The cable cover is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot to different positions to accommodate different cable diameters and orientations. This dynamic element enables a single housing to perform the function of multiple static housings, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing cost
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple housing variations are provided for different cable orientations and diameters, then adaptability is improved, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing design achieves multi-functionality through the movable cable cover that can be positioned at different angles (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) and adjusted for different cable diameters. This single universal housing replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized housings, significantly reducing storage space requirements while maintaining full adaptability across different cable configurations
3Adaptability or versatility
If cable covers are hinged to allow pivoting, then adaptability for different cable orientations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a stationary part and a movable cover part connected by a hinge. This segmentation enables the cover to pivot to different positions for accommodating various cable orientations while keeping the overall structure simple and manageable, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism introduces controlled dynamics to the otherwise simple housing structure. The hinge allows the cable cover to pivot smoothly to different positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) without requiring complex actuators or control systems, achieving adaptability with minimal added complexity
4Reliability
If strain relief springs are integrated into cable covers, then cable protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief spring is merged with the cable cover into a single integrated component. The spring is attached to the inner side of the cable cover and works together with the cover to provide both mechanical protection and strain relief functionality. This merging simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate parts and assembly steps while improving cable protection through the combined action of the cover and spring
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 design provides a space-efficient, adaptable solution for various cable orientations and diameters, ensuring mechanical and electrical integrity while reducing production costs through a single housing body with multiple cable cover configurations.
Implementation Method 1
Each cable cover of the pair of cable covers is provided with at least one strain relief spring biased towards the opposing cable cover of the pair of cable covers in the operating position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a housing (1) for an electrical connector (4), the housing (1) comprising: a housing body (6) having an opening (8) configured to receive an electrical cable (10) in an insertion direction (I), and a pair of cable covers (12) hinged to the housing body (6) at one proximal end (14) of the respective cable cover (16) of the pair of cable covers (12) and extending away from the opening (8), wherein, in a cable mounting position (2), each cable cover (16) of the pair of cable covers (12) is pivoted away from the other cable cover (16) of the pair of cable covers (12), and, in an operating position (64), each cable cover (16) of the pair of cable covers (12) is pivoted towards the other forming a cable support sleeve (66) configured to support the cable (10).