Modular Electrical Multiple Distributor with EMC Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical multiple distributors lack flexibility and require multiple housing variants for different applications, including options with and without EMC shielding, leading to increased storage and production costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular electrical multiple distributor with an inner housing featuring a distribution system, electromagnetic shielding, and a protective device against moisture, allowing optional connection of shielded cables or plug connectors, and featuring a receiving contour and clamping device for shielding lines, enabling flexible use and reduced part requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple housing variants are provided for different applications (with and without EMC shielding), then adaptability to different applications is improved, but device complexity and storage requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different applicationsVSAvoidnumber of housing variants
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single housing that can accommodate multiple connection types (cable outlets and plug connectors) and shielding configurations through optional components. The housing includes receiving contours and clamping devices that work with both shielded and unshielded cables, eliminating the need for separate housing variants for different applications.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the housing into functional components: the main housing structure, optional electromagnetic shielding layers, and configurable connection positions. This segmentation allows the same housing to be configured for different applications by selectively installing shielding and connection types, rather than requiring entirely different housing variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If electromagnetic shielding is always provided, then EMC shielding performance is improved, but device complexity and production costs worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMC shielding performanceVSAvoidshielding structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the shielding dynamic by providing it as an optional component that can be installed or removed based on application requirements. The housing includes receiving contours and clamping devices for shielding that are integrated into the design but do not require permanent installation, allowing the shielding configuration to adapt to specific EMC requirements without always being present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If different housings are provided for connecting cable outlets and plug connectors, then adaptability to different connection types is improved, but storage costs and production costs worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different connection typesVSAvoidproduction and storage costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the housing with universal connection capabilities by incorporating both cable outlet receiving contours and plug connector mounting positions within the same housing structure. The receiving contours and clamping devices are designed to accommodate different connection types without requiring different housing variants, thereby reducing storage and production costs while maintaining adaptability.

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

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a flexible and cost-effective electrical multiple distributor that can be used in various configurations, reducing storage and production costs while ensuring EMC shielding and protection against moisture, with the ability to connect cables, cable outlets, or plug connectors in a shielded manner.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic shielding device and a protection device against moisture and/or dust are provided on the inner housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

a protection device against moisture and/or dust are provided on the inner housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical protection: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP2366212B1Electric multiple distributor
Publication Date: 2016.10.19 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2366212B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2366212B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2366212B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electric multiple distributor (1), comprising a housing (2) and a plurality of electrical connections (3, 4, 5) and a distribution system (6) in the housing, by which the electrical connections can be connected to one another in a targeted manner. The distribution system can be positioned through an inside housing (7) of the housing. An electromagnetic shielding device (8) and a protective device (9) against moisture and/or dust are provided on the housing. The housing has a modular design, and optionally a shielded cable outlet (10) and a plug connector (11) may be connected. At least one receiving contour (15) for receiving a connecting sleeve (16) is provided at each of the connection positions (12). In addition, at least one clamping device (17) for contacting a shielded line of a cable outlet is provided on the housing.