Modular Housing Frame Grid for Plug Connector Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular construction systems for plug connector units require a large number of different components, including various widths of articulated frames and plug, socket, or attachment housings, which limits modularity and increases complexity in industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular housing frame system where the frame width is an integral multiple of the frame height, with connecting elements on all side walls for releasable and positively locking connections, allowing multiple frames to be connected in a modular mechanical relationship, reducing the number of required components and enhancing modularity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular system with articulated frames and separate plug/attachment housings is used, then different plug connector modules can be combined selectively, but a large number of different components (various widths of frames and housings) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the holding frame and the plug/attachment housing into a single integrated housing frame. The housing frame directly receives the plug connector modules and serves as the structural housing, eliminating the need for separate articulated frames and separate plug/attachment housings. This integration reduces the number of components while maintaining the ability to selectively combine different module types.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing frame is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple purposes: it acts as the structural frame, the housing for the connector unit, and the mounting structure for cable support sleeves. The standardized receiving means and connecting elements allow the same housing frame design to accommodate various module configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different widths of articulated frames and housings are provided, then various module configurations are possible, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing frame is segmented into standardized sections with repeating receiving means and connecting elements. This segmentation allows different sized connector units to be constructed from the same basic frame module by simply varying the number of receiving means engaged, rather than requiring completely different frame designs for each size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the modular design where the housing frame dimensions and receiving means positions are based on standardized increments. This allows the same basic frame design to produce various sizes by engaging different numbers of receiving means, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining configuration flexibility.
3Reliability
If separate plug and attachment housings are used, then mechanical connection of modules is achieved, but the number of components and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing frame integrates the functions of separate plug and attachment housings into a single component. The connecting elements are built into the housing frame itself, allowing direct mechanical connection of modules without requiring separate housing assemblies to be attached afterward.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular system for plug connector modules for producing plug connector units, and to at least one first housing frame for receiving a plurality of plug connector modules within the housing frame. Each housing frame has two parallel longitudinal side walls, which define the frame width of the housing frame, and perpendicularly thereto two parallel narrow side walls, which define the frame height of the housing frame. According to the invention: i) the frame width is an integer multiple of the frame height, optionally plus joint play; ii) the longitudinal side walls and the narrow side walls have connection elements for form-fitting connection, wherein in each case a connection element of a longitudinal side wall corresponds to a connection element of a narrow side wall; and iii) on each longitudinal side wall a plurality of connection elements are arranged at a grid distance which corresponds to the frame height, optionally plus joint play, along the frame width. A plurality of housing frames can thus be connected to one another in a modular manner on the basis of their connection elements so as to form a plug connector unit.