Modular Plug Connector Grounding via Spring Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular connectors with insulating plastic holding frames face a challenge in establishing electrical contact with the connector housing, preventing ground connection for PE contact modules.
Innovation Solution
A modular connector design featuring a metallic housing, an electrically insulating holding frame, and a plug connector module with a grounding means comprising a flat fastening flange and a spring arm that protrudes to engage with the connector housing, ensuring electrical conductivity despite the insulating material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an electrically insulating holding frame made of plastic is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but electrical connection between connector modules and housing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding function is segmented from the insulating holding frame and assigned to a separate grounding means (grounding flange with spring arm). This allows the holding frame to maintain its insulating properties while the dedicated grounding component establishes electrical connection to the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding means acts as an intermediary component between the connector module and the housing. It bridges the electrical connection gap created by the insulating holding frame, allowing PE contacts to be properly grounded without compromising the insulating properties of the holding frame.
2Reliability
If a metallic holding frame is used, then electrical connection is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire holding frame metallic to achieve electrical connection, the invention applies electrical conductivity only locally where needed - specifically in the grounding means (grounding flange and spring arm) that contacts the housing. The rest of the holding frame remains insulating, optimizing both electrical connection and manufacturing cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If the holding frame is made of insulating material, then cost is reduced, but grounding of PE contacts becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding capability is segmented from the holding frame structure and implemented as a separate functional component (grounding means). This enables PE contact grounding while maintaining the cost advantages of insulating holding frame material.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding means serves as an intermediary that restores the grounding capability lost by using insulating material in the holding frame. It provides the necessary electrical path to ground PE contacts without requiring the holding frame itself to be conductive.
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
Enables reliable electrical connection between the connector module and the housing while maintaining the cost-effectiveness of plastic components and ensuring isolation of non-earthed modules.
Implementation Method 1
the spring arm is formed from a spring-elastic sheet metal
Implementation Method 2
The spring arm is configured to contact the connector housing and complete an electrical connection thereto
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular plug connector consisting of a metal housing (1) and an insulating holding frame (2) received therein. At least one plug connector module (3) is received in the holding frame (2), consists of a metallic or at least electrically conductive material, and is electrically insulated from the housing (1) by the holding frame (2). Furthermore, an earthing means (4), which bridges the holding frame (2) and permits an electrical contact between the plug connector module (3) and the metal housing (1), is provided on the plug connector module (3). This allows different plug connector modules (3) to be held in the holding frame (2) insulated from the housing (1), and at the same time others to be held in electrical contact with the housing (1).