Intermediate Plug Connector for Modular Technology Upgrades

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack flexibility and adaptability, necessitating complete overhauls or replacements to accommodate technological advancements, leading to increased costs and operational downtime.

Innovation Solution

An intermediate plug connector with a first and second plug interface, an intermediate module, and optional features like contact elements, analysis modules, communication units, and light indicators, enabling seamless integration and adaptation to evolving technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing systems are completely overhauled or replaced to accommodate technological advancements, then system adaptability and flexibility are improved, but costs increase and operational downtime occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidoperational downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector system is divided into separate segments: an existing connector and an intermediate plug connector that can be independently added. This segmentation allows the new functionality to be introduced without replacing the entire existing system, thereby avoiding operational downtime and reduction costs while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate plug connector is designed to nest within or connect to the existing connector structure. The intermediate module integrates with the existing connector's housing and electrical contacts, allowing the new technology to be embedded within the existing system framework rather than requiring complete replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing systems are completely overhauled or replaced to accommodate technological advancements, then system adaptability and flexibility are improved, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the connector system into existing and intermediate components, only the necessary intermediate plug connector needs to be manufactured and installed, rather than producing entirely new connectors. This reduces manufacturing costs while achieving the same adaptability improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate plug connector is designed with universal compatibility to work with existing connector standards and protocols. This multi-functionality allows a single intermediate device to provide multiple benefits (adaptability, compatibility, future-proofing) without requiring expensive custom manufacturing for each specific upgrade scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4622024A1Intermediate plug connector

Publication Date: 2025.09.24 HARTING INT INNOVATION AG

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AI summary

An intermediate plug connector, comprising, a first plug interface and a second plug interface. wherein, the first plug interface is connectable to a first plug and the second plug interface is connectable to a second plug. Wherein the first plug interface and the second plug interface are electrically connected to each other. Wherein at least one electrical contact of the first plug interface is connected to at least one electrical contact of the second plug interface. Wherein an intermediate module is arranged between the first plug interface and the second plug interface. Wherein the intermediate module is electrically connected to the at least one electrical contact element.