Multi-Pin Connector Housing with Spring-Pin Locking Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional electrical connectors in power distribution systems face limitations in durability, ease of connectivity, and adaptability to various configurations, particularly in environments like data centers where high reliability and efficiency are crucial.

Innovation Solution

The electrical connector assembly features a dual set of coiled spring pins that secure hermaphrodite 1P connectors in place, allowing for a 15-pin configuration with specific orientation alignment and mounting interfaces, ensuring stable connections and preventing improper mating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional electrical connectors are used, then the structure is simple, but the reliability and durability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple independent components including housing, connectors, coiled spring pins, and mounting interfaces. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall reliability while managing complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coiled spring pins are pre-configured within the housing to automatically engage and lock connectors in place upon insertion. This preliminary positioning ensures correct alignment and secure connection before the connector is fully inserted, enhancing reliability without requiring complex manual alignment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If connectors are secured with locking mechanisms, then connection stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector stabilityVSAvoidconnector installation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coiled spring pins are designed to automatically engage and lock the connectors in place through their own elastic force when the connector is inserted. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to trigger the locking action, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations while ensuring stable connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The coiled spring pins utilize elastic deformation to provide a dynamic locking mechanism. The pins can flex during insertion to accommodate minor misalignments, then return to their locked position to secure the connector, providing both ease of operation and connection stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mounting interfaces are used, then adaptability to various configurations is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration adaptabilityVSAvoidmounting interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is equipped with multiple mounting interfaces that can accommodate different mounting configurations and orientations. These interfaces use standardized threaded holes that can serve multiple functions including panel mounting, cable securing, and alignment reference, providing configuration adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances reliability and safety by maintaining correct alignment, reducing downtime, and optimizing space usage in high-density environments while supporting a wide range of current and wire sizes.

Implementation Method 1

a first set of coiled spring pins configured to be mounted to the first housing, to lock in place the first set of hermaphrodite 1P connectors relative to the first housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4683128A1Multi-pin housing couple for AP pp15-45 connector
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 VERTIV CORP
  • EP4683128A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4683128A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4683128A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An electrical connector assembly is disclosed. The electrical connector assembly may include a first connector assembly and/or a second connector assembly. The first connector assembly may include a first set of hermaphrodite 1P connectors configured to be removably couplable to a second set of hermaphrodite 1P connectors of the second connector assembly. The first connector assembly may include a first set of coiled spring pins configured to be mounted to the first housing, to lock in place the first set of hermaphrodite 1P connectors relative to the first housing, and aligned lengthwise along a vertical axis orthogonal to the coupling axis. The first set of coiled spring pins may include an upper subset configured to be received by upper voids. The first set of coiled spring pins may include a lower subset configured to be received by lower voids.