Multi-contact Connector Short-Circuit Bridge Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-contact plugs require additional installation space for spring-based short-circuit bridges, which is scarce in miniaturized components, and the complex bending of metal springs complicates their design.
Innovation Solution
A simple sheet metal short-circuit bridge element is used, where the primary lance's elastic resilience forms an electrical connection with a stationary bridge element, allowing for targeted short circuits without the need for complex bending or additional space, and a separate short-circuit separating element on the mating connector interrupts the short circuit when plugged in.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring-based short-circuit bridges are used in conventional multi-contact plugs, then reliable short-circuit functionality is achieved, but additional installation space is required and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and material properties of the short-circuit bridge from a spring-based elastic component to a flat sheet metal component that utilizes the elastic resilience of the primary lance contact element instead. This parameter change eliminates the need for a separate spring structure, reducing installation space while maintaining reliable short-circuit functionality through the contact element's inherent elasticity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the spring function from the short-circuit bridge design and transfers it to the primary lance contact element. By removing the separate spring component and utilizing the existing elastic properties of the contact element's primary lance, the design achieves short-circuit functionality without requiring additional installation space for spring deflection
2Reliability
If spring-based short-circuit bridges are used in conventional multi-contact plugs, then reliable short-circuit functionality is achieved, but the complex bending of metal springs complicates design and manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameters by transitioning from complex spring bending operations to simple sheet metal forming. The short-circuit bridge is now produced as a flat or minimally formed sheet metal component, eliminating the need for complex elastic deformations and multi-step bending processes while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the short-circuit bridge itself elastic through spring construction, the patent inverts the approach by making the bridge stationary and flat, and utilizing the elasticity of the primary lance contact element. This inversion simplifies the bridge's manufacturing while achieving the same functional result through a different mechanical arrangement
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
This design enables efficient and space-saving targeted short circuits in multi-contact plugs, improving miniaturization and simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable electrical connections and detection of plug separation.
Implementation Method 1
the primary lance's elastic resilience forms an electrical connection with a stationary bridge element
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The invention describes a multiple-contact plug (1) and a plug-in connector arrangement (61) which is equipped with said multiple-contact plug. The multiple-contact plug (1) has a plug housing (2) with contact receiving chambers (7) and also has a plurality of contacts (10) which are each inserted into one of the contact receiving chambers (7). The contacts (10) are each designed with a contact main body (13) and an elastically deflectable primary lance (14) which protrudes laterally from said contact main body (13) and which can be elastically reversibly deflected from an outwardly protruding position into a position which is deflected in the direction of the contact main body (13). The multiple-contact plug (1) further has at least one short-circuit link element (25). In this case, electrically conductive contact areas (27) of the short-circuit link element (25) are arranged in at least two of the contact receiving chambers (7) and electrically conductively connected. The contact areas (27) are arranged in the contact receiving chambers (7) in positions such that the primary lance (14), in its protruding position, of a contact (10) which is secured in the respective contact receiving chamber (7) respectively makes contact with said contact areas. A short-circuit isolating element (53) can then be formed on a mating plug (51) in such a way that said short-circuit isolating element, in a plug-connected state, moves the primary lance (14) of at least one contact (10) from the protruding position to the deflected position and, in the process, interrupts the electrical contact between the primary lance (14) and the contact area (27) of the short-circuit isolating element. (25).