Multi-Pole Plug-In Connector Assembly With Transverse Slide Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors face challenges in efficiently inserting contact elements from the connecting cable side due to limited access and increased complexity with numerous contact elements and long connecting wires, leading to cumbersome assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A transverse slide mechanism with tapered elongated holes and fir tree profiles on the contact elements allows for easy insertion of contact elements into a mounting block, which is then attached to the connector housing, enabling simultaneous pressing of multiple elements without threading connecting wires through housing holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If contact elements are inserted from the mating side, then the housing base is more accessible, but the connecting wire must be threaded through the through-holes which is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of housing baseVSAvoidAssembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional insertion direction by pressing contact elements into the housing base from the connecting wire side rather than from the mating side. This allows the narrower end of the contact element to be inserted first, eliminating the need to thread connecting wires through the housing base from the opposite side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of manufacture

If contact elements are inserted from the connecting wire side, then threading wires through holes is avoided, but tool access to the housing base becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAssembly process simplicityVSAvoidTool accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The contact element is segmented into two distinct parts: a narrower end for insertion and a wider end with the connecting wire attachment. This segmentation allows the narrower end to pass through the housing base opening first, enabling insertion from the connecting wire side without threading the wire through the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact element features an asymmetric geometry with a narrower end and a wider end. This asymmetric design enables directional insertion where the narrower end enters the housing base opening first, facilitating insertion from the connecting wire side while maintaining proper orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Quantity of substance

If the connector has a high number of pins, then more contact elements are needed, but tool access becomes increasingly problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNumber of contact elementsVSAvoidTool access
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The contact element's segmented design with narrower and wider ends enables systematic insertion from the connecting wire side, allowing multiple contact elements to be installed in sequence without increasing tool access difficulty, even in high-density connectors with many pins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates efficient assembly by allowing contact elements to be inserted from the connecting cable side, reducing assembly time and effort, especially with high-density connectors, while maintaining a secure and moisture-tight connection.

Implementation Method 1

The elongated holes 24 taper in width, and the press-in sections 32 each have a fir tree profile 33. The retaining sections 35 of all contact elements 30 are positively locked in the mounting block 20.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3953998B1Multi-pole electrical plug-in connector
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 KOSTAL KONTAKT SYSTEME GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3953998B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3953998B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3953998B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a multi-pole electrical plug-in connector, comprising a plug-in connector housing, which has, perpendicularly to the plug-in connector housing longitudinal axis, a housing bottom having a plurality of insertion openings, into each of which a contact element is inserted. The contact elements each have a contact portion, which can be connected to a mating plug-in connector. The contact elements each have a press-in portion having a fir-tree profile, which press-in portion can be pressed into an insertion opening in the housing bottom. The contact elements each have, at an end portion, a connection portion for connecting an electrical connection line. The contact elements each have, between the press-in portion and the connection portion, a retaining portion. The retaining portions of all the contact elements are interlockingly fastened in a mounting block. The invention further relates to a method for producing a plug-in connector of this type.