PE Contact Design for Plastic Connector Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for connectors do not allow the use of PE contacts with plastic holding frames, limiting the application of protective conductor grounding in such configurations.
Innovation Solution
A holding frame with a two-legged or one-piece PE contact design that can be securely fixed to a plastic holding frame, featuring a conductive material for enhanced conductivity and a recess for screw attachment, allowing flexible mounting on all corners and improved assembly convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metallic holding frame is used to ensure grounding, then grounding reliability is improved, but cost and adaptability to plastic housings deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding function is segmented from the holding frame structure. Instead of requiring the entire holding frame to be metallic for grounding, the invention introduces separate PE contact elements that can be independently attached to plastic holding frames, enabling grounding functionality to be added modularly without compromising the plastic frame's insulating properties or increasing overall cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The PE contact serves as an intermediary element between the plastic holding frame and the grounding requirement. This intermediate component bridges the gap between the non-conductive plastic material and the grounding need, allowing the plastic frame to maintain its advantages while still achieving reliable grounding through the conductive PE contact attachment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a complex PE contact attachment structure is used to ensure stability, then mechanical stability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment function and the PE contact function are merged into a single integrated element. The PE contact is designed with built-in attachment features (such as tabs or snap-fit structures) that combine mechanical attachment and electrical contact functions, eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms and simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring stable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The PE contact is designed to be self-attaching to the holding frame through integrated attachment features. The element can be directly mounted without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps, as the attachment mechanism is inherent to the PE contact design itself, thereby simplifying manufacture and assembly.
3Ease of operation
If PE contact is attached only from one side, then assembly process is simplified, but adaptability to different mounting orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The PE contact is designed with universal attachment capabilities that enable it to be mounted from multiple sides and orientations. The element incorporates attachment features on multiple surfaces or uses a symmetric design that allows flexible installation directions, making it adaptable to various mounting scenarios while maintaining simple assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The PE contact design incorporates asymmetric attachment features strategically positioned to enable multi-directional mounting. By placing attachment points or asymmetric geometries at specific locations, the element can be attached from different sides depending on the required orientation, providing versatility without complicating the assembly process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a mounting frame (5) which comprises at least one PE contact (1) and can be inserted into the housing from a plug-in end and/or from a terminal end. The at least one PE contact (1) is arranged on the mounting frame (5). Previously known PE contacts can be contacted only from one end, whereas the PE contact (1) of the invention can be contacted from the terminal end and/or the plug-in end.