Modular Connector System With Segmented Circuit Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current connector systems face challenges in easily adapting wiring configurations, particularly in complex digital signal processing systems, where high data rates and signal quality are required, and cable replacement is often difficult due to space constraints and the need for custom cable arrangements, which can be costly and complex.

Innovation Solution

A modular connector system with an electrical connector that includes a housing for an electrical line, input-side and output-side contacts, and means for shielding, allowing for the integration of an electrical circuit such as a printed circuit board with adjustable contact points and shielding, enabling easy adaptation and replacement of components without altering the entire cable or circuit board.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cable replacement is performed to adapt wiring configurations, then signal transmission requirements can be met, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming due to space constraints and the need for dismantling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidcable replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two separable parts: a first connector part that can be accessed and replaced independently, and a second connector part that remains installed. This segmentation allows the wiring configuration to be adapted by replacing only the first connector part rather than the entire cable assembly, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If custom cable arrangements are produced to meet specific application requirements, then signal quality and data rates can be optimized, but production complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidcable arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first connector part is designed as a universal component that can be adapted to different wiring configurations through modular electrical circuits or contact arrangements. This universal design allows the same basic connector structure to serve multiple applications with different signal quality requirements, reducing production complexity while maintaining the ability to optimize signal transmission for each specific use case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If entire cable assemblies are replaced to adapt connector configurations, then system requirements can be met, but time and resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The first connector part is extracted as a separate, independently replaceable component from the complete cable assembly. This extraction allows the connector configuration to be adapted by removing and replacing only the first connector part while leaving the rest of the cable assembly in place, dramatically reducing the time and resources required for configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Volume of moving object

If cable routing is constrained by space restrictions, then system compactness is achieved, but cable accessibility for maintenance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compactnessVSAvoidcable accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector system is segmented into two parts with the first connector part designed to be accessible in restricted spaces. This segmentation allows the system to maintain compact overall dimensions while enabling maintenance personnel to access and replace the first connector part even when cable routing is constrained by tight space restrictions, thus preserving ease of operation despite compact packaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3607619B1Plug system
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 ROSENBERGER HOCHFREQUENZTECHNIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3607619B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3607619B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3607619B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a plug system (1) having an electrical plug (2) for connecting to at least one electrical lead (5) and having an electrical circuit (3), the electrical plug (2) having: - at least one input-side contact (9) which can be electrically connected to a signal conductor (10) of the electrical lead (5); - at least one output-side contact (11) which can be electrically connected to a plug inner conductor (12); - means for shielding (8) which can be electrically connected to an earth conductor (7) of the at least one electrical lead (5); - a receiving area (13) for the electrical circuit (3); and - a closure element (15) for closing an access opening (14) of the receiving area (13). In addition, the electrical circuit (3) has contact points (16) for contacting at least one input-side contact (9) and at least one output-side contact (11) when the electrical circuit (3) is inserted in the area (13). The electrical circuit (3) has a transmission option for transmission from the at least one input-side contact (9) to the at least one output-side contact (11).