Modular Connector Insulating Body for Sealed Plug Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial plug connectors lack flexibility and adaptability, necessitating complete overhauls or replacements to accommodate technological advancements, leading to increased costs and operational downtime.
Innovation Solution
An insulating body for industrial plug connectors, featuring a removable intermediate module with recesses that allow easy insertion and removal without dismantling, and includes components like printed circuit boards and sensors for adaptability and seamless integration with various plug types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If industrial plug connectors are designed to be robust and sealed against dust and water, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a permanent housing (insulating body) and removable intermediate modules. The housing maintains the robust sealed structure, while the interchangeable modules provide adaptability. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through the permanent sealed housing while achieving adaptability through module replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates dynamically interchangeable intermediate modules that can be removed and replaced without affecting the permanent housing. This dynamic element allows the system to adapt to different technological requirements while the static sealed housing maintains reliability protection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complete overhauls or replacements are performed to accommodate technological advancements, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connector into permanent and removable parts, only the intermediate module needs to be replaced for technological upgrades. This avoids complete overhauls and minimizes operational downtime, maintaining productivity while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate module is extracted as a separate removable component that can be independently replaced. This extraction allows technological advancements to be implemented by simply removing and replacing the module without affecting the rest of the system, reducing downtime and maintaining productivity.
3Ease of operation
If intermediate modules are made removable and insertable, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into a simple permanent housing and interchangeable modules. This segmentation creates a straightforward insertion/removal mechanism that improves ease of operation while the modular structure actually reduces overall complexity compared to completely redesignable systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized intermediate module design with universal interfaces allows the same basic structure to serve multiple functions and configurations. This universality simplifies the design by reusing proven components while providing operational flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
An insulating body (110) for an industrial plug connector (100, 400, 500), with a first end and a second end, a first plug interface (111) at the first end and a second plug interface (115) at the second end, wherein, the first plug interface (111) is connectable to a first plug (400) and the second plug interface (115) is connectable to a second plug (500), wherein the first plug interface (111) and the second plug interface (115) are electrically connected to each other, wherein at least one electrical contact (112) of the first plug interface (111) is connected to at least one electrical contact (116) of the second plug interface (115), wherein an intermediate module (130) is arranged between the first plug interface (111) and the second plug interface (115), wherein the insulating body (110) comprises at least one recess configured to extend in a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the at least one electrical contact (112, 116), wherein the intermediate module (130) is dimensioned to be removably inserted into the recess, and wherein the at least one recess at least partially surrounds the at least one electrical contact (112, 116), wherein the intermediate module (130) is electrically releasably connected to the at least one electrical contact (112, 116).