Module Connector Housing With Pre-Locked Screw for Safe Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of module connectors for electrical modules, such as battery cells in vehicles, is time-consuming and lacks effective protection against contact and dirt ingress, posing safety and functionality risks.
Innovation Solution
A housing assembly for module connectors with a screw locked in a pre-assembly position, featuring a screw head and flange made of insulating material, which prevents the screw from protruding and obstructing alignment, and includes locking projections to secure the screw captive, ensuring easy assembly while maintaining protection against contact and dirt ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the screw is not locked in the passage opening, then the alignment process requires manual positioning and adjustment, but the assembly time is reduced and the screw cannot protrude to damage other components
Solution Approach 1:
The screw is pre-locked in a retracted position within the passage opening before the alignment process begins. This preliminary positioning prevents the screw from protruding and damaging other components during alignment, while also eliminating the need for manual positioning adjustments, thereby reducing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism prevents the screw from protruding outward during the alignment process, countering the potential harmful action of the screw head interfering with other components. This preliminary protective measure ensures safe alignment without requiring additional protective structures.
2Ease of manufacture
If the passage opening is open, then the assembly process is simple and access is easy, but contact protection and dirt ingress prevention are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The passage opening is designed to be dynamically closed by the screw head during normal operation, while remaining accessible during assembly. The screw head moves to seal the opening when the module connector is assembled, providing contact protection and dirt ingress prevention, while the locking mechanism ensures the opening remains accessible during the assembly process itself.
3Ease of operation
If the screw protrudes from the housing, then the screw can be easily accessed for assembly, but it may scratch or damage other parts during alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The screw is pre-positioned in a retracted state within the passage opening before the alignment process. This preliminary positioning allows the screw to be easily accessed through the open passage during assembly, while simultaneously preventing it from protruding and damaging other parts during the alignment operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a housing assembly protected against contact for a module connector, with a housing which comprises a passage opening extending through the housing in a direction of connection, and with a screw with a screw head arranged in the passage opening, where the screw is locked in the passage opening in a pre-assembly position. Such a housing assembly can be assembled quickly and in a simple manner and at the same time is completely protected against contact.