Reinforced Junction Connector Housing for Heat and Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional junction connectors are susceptible to unacceptable deformation when exposed to high temperatures and pressures within their normal operating ranges, leading to reduced flexibility and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly is designed with a dielectric housing and electrically conductive terminals, supported by a connector support that includes U-shaped side supports and elongated fasteners. This assembly prevents deformation of the dielectric housing by distributing stress and maintaining structural integrity under temperature and pressure variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional junction connectors are used, then the device complexity is low, but the connector is susceptible to deformation under high temperature and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple functional components: a connector body, a connector support with U-shaped side supports, and elongated fasteners. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the connector body houses terminals, the side supports provide structural reinforcement, and the fasteners secure the assembly - thereby improving resistance to deformation while maintaining reasonable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs composite construction by combining the connector body made of insulating material with the connector support made of metal material. This composite approach leverages the electrical insulation properties of the first material and the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the metal support, enabling the overall structure to withstand high temperature and pressure without deformation.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the connector structure is simplified, then the device complexity is low, but the flexibility and longevity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated fasteners are designed to pre-tension the connector assembly when tightened, creating preliminary compressive stress that counteracts the expansive forces generated during operation under high temperature and pressure. This preliminary action prevents deformation before it occurs, extending the connector's service life without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector support with U-shaped side supports provides dynamic structural adaptation - the open U-shape allows for thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic capability enables the connector to accommodate operational variations in temperature and pressure, enhancing longevity without overly complicating the structure.
3Temperature
If the connector is exposed to high temperature and pressure, then the operating conditions are met, but the dielectric housing deforms
Solution Approach 1:
The metal connector support acts as an intermediary structural element between the dielectric housing and the external environment. It provides mechanical reinforcement to the dielectric housing, distributing thermal and pressure loads across a larger area, thereby preventing localized deformation of the housing while allowing the connector to operate in high temperature and pressure environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameters of the connector by adding the connector support with U-shaped side supports and elongated fasteners. These parameter changes - increased structural rigidity, distributed fastening points, and reinforced geometry - enable the dielectric housing to maintain its shape under high temperature and pressure without requiring changes to the housing material itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly is disclosed. The connector assembly includes a connector comprising a dielectric housing, a plurality of electrically conductive terminals disposed at least partially in the dielectric housing, and a connector support assembled to the connector. The connector support includes a pair of U-shaped side supports disposed on opposite sides of the dielectric housing and a pair of elongated fasteners for fastening the connector to a plate. A cable includes a plurality of conductors received inside the dielectric housing through cable opening of the housing and terminated at the termination portions of the conductive terminals.