L-Shaped Electrical Connector for Multi-Orientation Plug-In Adapters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection technologies lack a universally usable connector that can adapt to different spatial orientations, leading to increased component complexity and inefficiency in connecting plug connections.
Innovation Solution
A connector with an angled L-shaped configuration, featuring a first and second leg at a right angle, allowing for universal insertion orientations and reducing component diversity by enabling identical connectors to serve multiple functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional straight connectors are used for electrical connections, then the connector structure is simple, but the connector cannot be inserted into plug-in adapters in different spatial orientations, reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed with an L-shaped asymmetric configuration, where the first leg and second leg are arranged perpendicular to each other. This asymmetric structure enables the connector to be inserted into plug-in adapters in multiple spatial orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°), significantly improving spatial adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a traditional linear one-dimensional structure to a two-dimensional L-shaped structure with legs extending in perpendicular directions. This dimensional change allows the connector to interface with plug connections in different spatial planes, enabling universal usability across multiple orientations without substantially increasing structural complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different connector types are used to accommodate different spatial orientations, then all spatial orientations can be covered, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The L-shaped connector is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple functions by being inserted in different orientations. A single connector type can replace multiple orientation-specific connectors, as the perpendicular leg arrangement allows it to interface with plug connections regardless of their spatial orientation, thereby reducing the total number of connector components needed
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating different connector variants for different orientations, the invention inverts the approach by creating a single connector design that adapts to different orientations. The L-shaped structure with its inherent directional flexibility allows one connector type to fulfill the role of what would traditionally require multiple specialized connectors
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized connectors are designed for specific plug-in adapter configurations, then the connection precision is high, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector maintains simple overall geometry while incorporating localized features for precise connection. The L-shaped legs have specific dimensional characteristics and contact geometries at their ends that ensure accurate alignment and connection with plug connections, achieving high connection precision without requiring complex overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design uses standardized dimensional parameters and geometries that can be manufactured with conventional precision. By maintaining consistent leg lengths, angles, and contact point positions, the connector achieves reliable connection precision while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes, avoiding the need for specialized high-precision manufacturing
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for electrically connecting a first plug connection to a second plug connection. A plug-in adapter for the pluggable connection of a multipole electrical circuit board terminal is also provided, the plug-in adapter has a plurality of connectors of the above-mentioned type. An arrangement including such a plug-in adapter, a multipole electrical circuit board terminal, and an electrical circuit board, and a method for mounting a plug-in adapter of the above-mentioned type are also provided.