Panel-Mounted Plug Connector With 3D Vibration Decoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plug-in couplings either lack the ability for three-dimensional vibration-decoupling movements or are not suitable for panel mounting, limiting their application in flexible and secure component connections.

Innovation Solution

A socket-like coupling part with a bridge section connecting the ball socket to a sleeve-like holding section, allowing three-dimensional vibration-decoupling movements and enabling panel mounting, utilizing a polyester-based elastomer with stiffening webs for rigidity and snap connection capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid socket-like coupling part is used to ensure secure connection, then connection strength is improved, but vibration-decoupling flexibility in multiple directions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidvibration-decoupling flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling part is divided into multiple functional sections: a rigid connection area for secure mounting and a flexible vibration-decoupling area with radial slots. This segmentation allows different parts of the same component to have different mechanical properties, achieving both strong connection and vibration absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the coupling part have different structural characteristics - the connection area maintains high rigidity while the vibration-decoupling area incorporates radial slots to provide flexibility. This local differentiation of structural quality enables simultaneous achievement of connection strength and vibration compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible coupling structure is used to enable three-dimensional vibration-decoupling movements, then vibration absorption is improved, but panel mounting capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration absorptionVSAvoidpanel mounting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling part is segmented into a rigid connection section for panel mounting and a flexible vibration-decoupling section with radial slots. This segmentation allows the structure to provide both mounting stability and vibration absorption flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection area maintains high rigidity for secure panel mounting, while the vibration-decoupling area incorporates radial slots to provide flexibility. This local differentiation enables simultaneous achievement of mounting capability and vibration compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the socket-like coupling part is made highly rigid for secure fastening, then fastening reliability is improved, but three-dimensional vibration-decoupling movements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidthree-dimensional vibration-decoupling movements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling part is divided into a rigid fastening area for reliable connection and a flexible vibration-decoupling area with radial slots. This segmentation allows different mechanical behaviors in different regions, achieving both reliability and movement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening area is designed with high rigidity for reliable connection, while the vibration-decoupling area incorporates radial slots to enable three-dimensional movements. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between fastening reliability and vibration compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The solution provides a detachable connection with three-dimensional vibration-decoupling and panel mounting capabilities, ensuring secure and flexible movement compensation between components, with materials offering high chemical and heat resistance.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a polyester-based elastomer with stiffening webs for rigidity and snap connection capabilities

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

three-dimensional vibration-decoupling movements between the components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP1746294B1Plug connector to be mounted on a panel with three-dimensional vibration absorption
Publication Date: 2010.03.31 BOLLHOFF VERBINDUNGSTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP1746294B1 patent drawingFigure 1~9
  • EP1746294B1 patent drawingFigure 3~8

AI summary

The plug-in coupling consists of an elastically deformable, cup-shaped coupling part (6) with a ball socket (16), a bridge section (18), and a sleeve-like section (20), as well as a ball stud (8) having a ball head (14) which can be snapped into the ball socket (16) to close the plug-in coupling. The bridge section (18) of the coupling part (6) is integrally formed at a closed end of the ball socket (16), and the sleeve-like retaining section (20) is integrally formed on the bridge section (18) such that it surrounds the ball socket (16) at a radial distance. The plug-in coupling can thus perform three-dimensional compensating movements.