Modular Connecting Adapter for Housing Branching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for connecting contact carrier or connector housings lack flexibility to implement complex arrangements such as line branches, sub-distributions, or Y-distributors, especially for applications requiring IP67 protection, and are limited in producing desired configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular housing arrangement using a specifically shaped adapter that integrates a cable bushing, with U-shaped connection adapter parts and holding webs, allowing for mechanical connection and sealing of housings, enabling flexible and cost-effective implementation of various connection paths with a minimal number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connection solutions with fixed housing contours are used, then mechanical connection is achieved, but flexibility to create complex arrangements and line branches is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting adapter serves multiple functions: it mechanically connects housings, provides cable entry points, enables different connection configurations (line branches, Y-distributors, sub-distributions), and ensures IP67 protection. This multi-functional design allows a single component type to replace what would otherwise require multiple specialized components, achieving versatility without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the connection function into modular components: housings with standardized receptacles and interchangeable connecting adapters. This segmentation allows the same housing design to be used repeatedly while achieving different overall configurations by simply changing the adapter arrangement, thereby improving adaptability without requiring complex customized housings for each configuration
2Ease of manufacture
If standardized housing designs are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but ability to implement application-specific connection paths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The housing design includes pre-integrated connection adapter receptacles with standardized geometries during the manufacturing process. These receptacles are prepared in advance with precise dimensions and positions, allowing standardized adapters to be later installed to create different connection configurations. This preliminary preparation enables cost-effective standardized manufacturing while preserving the ability to adapt to specific applications through later adapter selection and arrangement
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular connecting adapters are introduced, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting adapter is designed as a universal component that can be used in multiple configurations and positions. The same adapter design serves different functions depending on its orientation and placement, reducing the total number of unique component types needed while maintaining high flexibility in creating various housing arrangements and connection paths
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting adapter (10) designed to mechanically connect at least two housings or connector housings (50) for receiving electrical connection parts, which have at least one connecting adapter receptacle (52) that at least partially corresponds to the shape of the connecting adapter (1), wherein the connecting adapter (10) forms at least one U-shaped connecting adapter part (20), wherein at least two retaining webs (14, 15) with an intermediate groove (16) are provided on at least two diametrically opposed outer sides (11, 12) of the connecting adapter (10), each having a receiving space for one housing wall section (51) of each housing (50), such that, in the assembled state of the connecting adapter (10), two of the retaining webs (14, 15) engage behind each housing wall section (51) in the housing-side connecting adapter receptacles (52), thus fixing the housings (50) to one another.