Modular Bus Connector Assembly for Compact Flexible Network Topologies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bus connectors require significant installation space, are costly, and time-consuming to assemble, limiting the flexibility and miniaturization of electrical network topologies, and on-site assembly fixes branch points, hindering adaptability.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece contact carrier with modular contact element assemblies, allowing pre-assembled connectors with cables, enabling flexible and simple integration of electrical devices into network topologies, with interchangeable contact elements and interfaces for various configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bus connectors are used, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into a housing and a separate contact carrier that can be assembled together. The contact carrier itself is segmented into multiple contact element assemblies that can be independently positioned and connected, allowing for a more compact overall structure while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional bus connectors are used, then electrical connection is established, but assembly effort and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The contact elements are pre-assembled into contact element assemblies on the contact carrier before final installation into the housing. This preliminary assembly allows for pre-testing and preparation, reducing the time and effort required during final installation while ensuring reliable electrical connections are properly established.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple contact elements are combined into integrated contact element assemblies on a single contact carrier. This merging of multiple components into unified assemblies reduces the number of separate assembly steps required, thereby reducing assembly time and effort while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional bus connectors are used, then network connection is achieved, but adaptability and flexibility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectionVSAvoidnetwork topology adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The contact carrier is designed as a separate, movable component that can be independently assembled and configured within the housing. This dynamic design allows the contact elements to be positioned and connected in various configurations to accommodate different network topologies (star, tree, mesh, bus) while maintaining reliable network connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The contact element assemblies on the contact carrier are designed with universal connectivity capabilities that can support multiple network topology configurations. The same basic contact carrier structure can be adapted to create star, tree, mesh, or bus topologies, providing versatility and adaptability without compromising connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If conventional bus connectors are used, then electrical system is assembled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical system functionalityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a housing for structural support and protection, and a separate contact carrier for electrical connections. This segmentation simplifies the overall design by clearly separating mechanical support functions from electrical connection functions, reducing device complexity while maintaining electrical system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4712277A1Electrical connector, electrical connecting member of network topology, and electrical network topology

Publication Date: 2026.03.18 ROSENBERGER HOCHFREQUENZTECHNIK GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical connector (1) for connection with a mating electrical connector (2), in particular a bus connector, comprising a one-piece contact carrier (3) and at least one contact element assembly (4) formed from at least one first electrical contact element (5) and a second electrical contact element (6). The contact elements (5, 6, 35) of each contact element assembly (4) are at least partially embedded in the contact carrier (3) and make electrical and mechanical contact with each other. The first contact element (5) and the second contact element (6) of each contact element assembly (4) each have a connection area (8) for connecting at least one electrical conductor (7).At least one of the contact elements (5, 6, 35) of at least one contact element assembly (4) is accessible for contacting with a corresponding mating contact element (12) of the mating connector (2).