Modular Electric Cross Connector Tool-Free Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric cross connectors are limited in their ability to connect any desired number of electric contacts without producing waste, require tools for assembly, and are not adaptable for contacts at different distances, necessitating additional insulation components like covering caps.

Innovation Solution

A modular electric cross connector with a carrier and electric bridge that allows for mechanical connection to other connectors, enabling flexible plugging and release without tools, accommodating various contact spacings and eliminating the need for additional insulation parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a comb connector is severed to reduce the number of electric pin contacts, then the connector length is reduced, but additional insulation components (covering caps) are required and waste is produced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector lengthVSAvoidadditional insulation components
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into modular segments where each segment contains a specific number of electric pin contacts. These segments can be selectively assembled to match the required number of contacts, eliminating the need to sever a continuous connector and avoid producing waste material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design incorporates universal mounting structures and insulation integration that allow the same basic connector body to accommodate different numbers of contacts through modular segmentation, rather than requiring different connector types or additional covering caps for each configuration.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional electric cross connectors are used to connect any desired number of electric contacts, then connectivity flexibility is achieved, but assembly requires tools and produces waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnectivity flexibilityVSAvoidassembly tool requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector employs dynamic, reversible mechanical connections that allow for tool-free assembly and disassembly. The modular segments can be easily connected and disconnected without requiring special tools, enabling flexible reconfiguration while eliminating waste through reusable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If comb connectors are used for contacts at different distances, then standard connector designs must be used, but additional insulation parts are necessary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact spacing accommodationVSAvoidadditional insulation parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates locally varied insulation structures within the modular segments that are specifically designed to accommodate different contact spacings. Each segment can be configured with appropriate insulation characteristics for its specific contact arrangement, eliminating the need for separate covering caps while maintaining proper insulation for each local configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2048686B1Electric cross connector
Publication Date: 2011.03.16 TYCO ELECTRONICS AUSTRIA GMBH
  • EP2048686B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2048686B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2048686B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a modular electric cross connector for producing an electrically conductive connection, in particular of electric contacts (20) of relay sockets, comprising a carrier (100) and an electric bridge (200) partially received on/in the carrier (100), by means of which bridge the electrically conductive connection can be produced, wherein the carrier (100) can be mechanically connected by means of a mechanical plug connection to at least a second electric cross connector (1).