Holding Frame With Separate Plug Modules For Orientation-Independent Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding frames for plug-in connector modules require separate fastening means and have a specified mounting direction, limiting flexibility and ease of assembly, especially in industrial environments where orientation and direction must be precise.
Innovation Solution
A holding frame design with plug-in modules that allows for orientation-independent mounting from both the plug-in and connection sides, featuring mirror-image orientation within the plug-in connection, enabling insertion from either side without tools, and ensuring proper PE connections through crimp or stranded conductor connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If holding frames require separate fastening means and specified mounting direction, then assembly precision is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the holding frame structure with integrated mounting features directly into the frame body. The U-shaped profile with open ends incorporates built-in engagement mechanisms that simultaneously provide structural support and mounting capability, eliminating the need for separate fastening means and reducing assembly steps while maintaining precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring separate fastening means attached to the holding frame, the patent inverts the approach by making the holding frame itself the fastening element. The U-shaped profile with open ends directly engages with the housing structure, reversing the traditional sequence where fasteners would be separately applied to secure the frame.
2Strength
If holding frames require separate fastening means, then connection strength is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural holding function with the fastening function into a single integrated U-shaped profile. The open ends of the U-profile directly engage with corresponding features in the housing, providing both structural support and secure mounting without requiring separate fastening components, thereby maintaining connection strength while dramatically improving ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding frame design enables self-service assembly where the U-shaped profile with open ends automatically positions and secures itself into the housing structure without requiring separate fastening operations. The geometry of the U-profile and its engagement features provide self-aligning and self-securing capabilities that maintain strong connections while eliminating the need for additional fastening steps.
3Manufacturing precision
If specified mounting direction is required, then orientation precision is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric features within the U-shaped holding frame profile that provide built-in orientation guidance. The asymmetric geometry of the open ends and internal structures creates natural alignment cues that guide the module into the correct orientation during insertion, ensuring precise orientation while eliminating the need for separate orientation specification steps and reducing assembly time.
4Reliability
If separate fastening means are used, then reliability of connection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the structural support function and connection security function into the single U-shaped holding frame profile. The open ends of the U-profile provide inherent engagement and retention capabilities that maintain reliable connections without requiring separate fastening components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while preserving connection reliability through the integrated design.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A system connector (1) is proposed for connecting electrical conductors. This connector accommodates plug-in modules (40) containing electrical contacts. These modules are initially inserted vertically into a section of a retaining frame (10, 20) in which a snap-in plug insert (30) is located. The modules are then laterally rotated 90° within the retaining frame and held in place. The housing frame (10, 20) is designed as a self-supporting part of the system connector to accommodate the plug-in modules (40) and can be protected against environmental influences by a surrounding housing. Furthermore, unlike conventional connector arrangements, the plug-in modules (40) can be inserted into and removed from the retaining frame (10, 20) from either side, i.e., in the direction of insertion or against the direction of insertion.