Panel-Mount Connector Frame Assembly with Latching Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting electric connectors to panels are cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring secure and stable connections that are not efficiently facilitated by prior art solutions.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly with a mounting pin and latching means is used, along with a panel mount connector featuring through openings to engage the mounting pin, allowing for secure and easy mounting without additional tools or panel modifications, and incorporating coding structures to prevent incorrect connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used to securely mount electric connectors to panels, then secure and stable connections are achieved, but the mounting process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a frame assembly with latching means for securing to the panel, and a connector body with through openings for receiving mounting pins. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates faster assembly by eliminating the need for complex integrated mounting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly acts as an intermediary element between the panel and the electric connector. It provides a simplified mounting interface through mounting pins that engage with through openings in the connector, mediating the connection process and reducing the complexity of direct panel-to-connector mounting.
2Reliability
If complex mounting mechanisms are used to ensure secure connections, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex latching and securing mechanisms are extracted from the connector body itself and placed into a separate frame assembly. The connector body is simplified to primarily receive signals, while the frame assembly handles all mounting and securing functions through its latching means and mounting pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables secure attachment to the panel through latching means, and facilitates connector mounting through standardized mounting pins. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
3Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but additional tools and panel modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly's latching means are designed to self-latch onto the panel without requiring additional tools or fasteners. The mounting pins with coding structures automatically engage with corresponding through openings, providing self-aligning and self-securing mounting capabilities that eliminate the need for manual intervention or specialized installation tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly is pre-configured with latching means and mounting pins during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the assembly to be installed as a complete unit onto the panel, eliminating the need for on-site modifications or additional assembly steps during installation.
4Manufacturing precision
If coding structures are added to prevent incorrect connections, then connection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Coding structures such as asymmetric protrusions, notches, or keyed features are incorporated into the mounting pins and corresponding through openings. These asymmetric elements create unique geometric relationships that allow only correctly oriented and matched components to assemble, preventing incorrect connections through geometric constraint rather than complex electronic or mechanical interlocking.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a frame assembly (1) for mounting an electric connector (97) to a panel (23) and to a panel mount connector (69) for mounting to a panel (23). Prior art solutions for mounting an electrical connector (97) to a panel (23) are cumbersome and time-consuming. A faster mounting is achieved by the inventive frame assembly (1) in that it comprises a frame member (3) that is configured to be mounted to the panel (23) and in that is is configured to receive the connector (97), the frame assembly (1) further comprising a mounting pin (19) and latching means (15) for mounting the frame member (3) to the panel (23). The panel mount connector (69) improves prior art solutions by comprising at least one through opening (75), the through opening (75) being configured to receive the mounting pin (19) of a frame assembly (1) according to the invention.