Device for providing electric and/or communication connection in a board

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for providing electric and communication connections in boards are cumbersome to install and lack flexibility in terms of connection types and numbers, being static in design.

Innovation Solution

A modular device comprising a separate casing and adjustable insert that can be easily fitted into a board, allowing for varying positions and types of connections without requiring the casing to be dismantled, enabling easy adaptation to different environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If an integrated unit device is used to provide electric and communication connections, then the device structure is simple and unified, but the device becomes cumbersome to install and lacks flexibility in connection configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a base unit with mounting structure and multiple interchangeable inserts, each insert containing specific connection types (electric outlets, communication ports). This segmentation allows easy installation of the base unit while enabling flexible configuration by simply swapping inserts, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and installation ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a static integrated unit to a dynamic modular system where inserts can be exchanged based on connection requirements. The base unit remains fixed while the functional inserts are changeable, providing adaptability without increasing overall device complexity or installation difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If an integrated unit device is used, then the device structure is unified, but the device is time-consuming to install in boards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the base unit from the connection inserts, the installation process is divided into two independent steps: mounting the base unit (which contains mounting features like threads or clips) and then inserting the appropriate functional insert. This eliminates the need to install the entire integrated unit as one piece, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining structural unity through the base unit design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base unit is pre-equipped with mounting structures (threads, clips, or snap-fit features) that enable quick attachment to boards. The inserts are designed to be pre-assembled and ready for insertion, eliminating the need for on-site assembly or complex mounting procedures, thus reducing installation time without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a static design is used for connections, then the device structure is fixed and simple, but the device lacks flexibility in connection types and numbers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidconnection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base unit is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of inserts (electric outlets, USB ports, LAN ports, HDMI ports, etc.). A single base unit structure serves multiple functions by accepting different inserts, providing connection flexibility without requiring multiple specialized devices or complex reconfigurable structures.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a static fixed-connection design to a dynamic modular system where the functional configuration can be changed by exchanging inserts. The base unit remains structurally fixed while the functional characteristics become variable, enabling adaptability to different connection requirements without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3072186B1Device for providing electric and/or communication connection in a board
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 KONDATOR
  • EP3072186B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3072186B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3072186B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (100) for providing electric and/or communication connection, which device comprises a casing (20) and an insert (10), wherein: - the casing (20) is arranged to be fitted in a board and to contain the insert (10); and - the insert (10) is arranged to be able to assume a plurality of different axial positions in the casing (20), and comprises at least one electric (11) and/or one communication connection (12) for analog or digital communication. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising at least one such device.