Modular Plug-in Connector with Lockable Housings and Local Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in connectors require different types for different contacts and have complex structures, making cable connection and attachment to devices cumbersome and prone to interference from electromagnetic radiation, especially in automotive and aerospace applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular plug-in connector design with adaptable contact housings and lockable plug housings, featuring electromagnetic shielding and adjustable orientation, allows for versatile use with various contacts and secure cable attachment, while preventing unintentional rotation and ensuring reliable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different plug-in connectors are used for different plug-in contacts, then the connection can be optimized for each specific contact type, but the device complexity and the number of required components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plug housing is designed with multiple sockets that can accommodate different types of contact housings (power contacts, signal contacts, combined contacts). This universal design allows a single plug housing to serve multiple functions and work with various contact configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connector types while maintaining optimized connections for each contact type
2Reliability
If a complex plug-in connector structure is used, then connection reliability can be improved, but the ease of operation and assembly process deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into modular components: plug housing, contact housings, and cable connections. Each contact housing can be independently inserted into the plug housing, and cables can be attached separately at the contact housing level. This segmentation simplifies the assembly process while maintaining reliable connections through the modular design
3Reliability
If plug housings are made lockable to prevent separation under abrasion forces, then connection reliability improves, but the ease of operation and assembly speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically when the plug housing and contact housing are connected. The locking elements activate through the natural insertion motion itself, without requiring separate locking actions. This self-locking feature maintains high connection reliability while preserving fast assembly speed
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire plug housing is shielded from electromagnetic radiation, then protection against interference improves, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of shielding the entire plug housing, electromagnetic shielding is applied locally only to the sockets that handle signal transmissions. This selective shielding approach provides adequate protection against electromagnetic interference for the sensitive signal paths while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to full housing shielding
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 modular design simplifies cable connection and attachment, enhances electromagnetic shielding, and improves connection reliability by allowing secure, adaptable, and stable engagement of contact housings, reducing the risk of interference and ensuring secure cable routing.
Implementation Method 1
The plug housings are lockable with a locking device. The locking device can prevent the plug housings from coming apart even under the influence of forces of abrasions.
Implementation Method 2
The influence of electromagnetic radiation from the environment can cause interference, in particular during signal transmission, and this represents a considerable safety risk... a socket of a plug housing and/or the plug housing itself is lined and/or clad with a material, preferably metal, which acts as a shield against electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug-in connector. Plug-in connectors of this type are used, for example, for attaching cables to devices in electrical appliances, machines, motors, vehicles or the like. As a plug-in connector which can be used for different plug-in contacts and simplifies the connection process and the attachment of a cable to a device, the invention provides the plug-in connector according to claim 1 including a plug housing pair with two connectable plug housings and a contact housing pair with two connectable contact housings, each plug housing comprising at least one socket for a contact housing.