Modular Plug Connector With Detachable Front Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high production and installation costs of plug connectors with multiple mating face variants are due to the need for a new housing when a different mating face is required, as existing solutions necessitate replacing the entire housing.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design featuring a detachable front and rear housing section, where the mating face is on the front section and the connector jack is either in the front or rear section, allowing only the front section to be replaced for different mating faces while the rear section remains permanently installed, utilizing a simple detent-locking mechanism and ensuring precise alignment with locating surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new housing is produced for each mating face variant, then the connector can meet various application requirements (shielding, cable securing, safety regulations), but the production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two detachable sections: a rear section that remains permanently installed and contains the connector jack, and a front section that includes the mating face. This segmentation allows the front section to be replaced independently for different mating face variants, while the rear section is produced once and reused, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining adaptability to various application requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The rear section of the housing is designed as a universal component that can be used with multiple different front sections corresponding to various mating face variants. This multi-functionality allows a single rear section design to support different application requirements (shielding, cable securing, safety regulations) by simply changing the front section, thereby reducing the number of housing variants that need to be produced
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire housing is replaced when a different mating face is required, then the connector can be adapted to new requirements, but the installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable connection between the front section and rear section enables independent replacement of the front section. When a different mating face is required, only the front section needs to be detached and replaced, while the rear section remains in place. This segmentation dramatically simplifies the replacement process and reduces installation costs by eliminating the need to remove and reinstall the entire housing
Solution Approach 2:
The housing transitions from a static, monolithic structure to a dynamic, modular system where the front section can be easily detached and reattached. The detachable connection mechanism (detent-locking or clamping) enables quick replacement of the front section without requiring removal of the permanently installed rear section, making the system adaptable to changing requirements with minimal installation effort
3Ease of operation
If a detachable connection is used between front and rear sections, then the front section can be easily replaced for different mating faces, but the connection mechanism adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable connection mechanism is designed as a simple, integrated feature of the housing sections rather than a complex separate system. The detent-locking or clamping mechanism uses basic mechanical elements that are easy to produce and operate, providing sufficient functionality for secure attachment and easy replacement without adding significant complexity to the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable connection mechanism is designed to be easily operated by the user without requiring special tools or complex procedures. The simple detent-locking or clamping design allows the front section to be attached and detached through straightforward manual operations, making the system user-friendly while maintaining structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug connector (10), in particular, for telecommunications and data-systems-technology connections, comprising a housing in which a connector jack (20) is disposed around which a mating face is disposed, wherein the housing has a front section (44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, 44e) and a rear section (42), wherein the mating face (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e) is disposed on the front section (44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, 44e), while the connector jack (20) is disposed in the rear section (42) or in the front section (44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, 44e), and wherein the front section (44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, 44e) is disposed on the rear section (42) in a detachably connectable manner.