Plug Connector Cover Fastening Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy industrial plug connectors face issues with unwanted twisting of fastening devices due to single screw or rivet connections, requiring multiple screws or rivets for securement, which increases assembly effort and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device comprising a receiving element, holder element, and spring element, with a self-tapping screw for secure attachment, and latching cams and openings to prevent rotation, reducing installation effort and ensuring secure positioning of the cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single screw or rivet is used to fasten the cover to the housing lower part, then the assembly effort is reduced, but unwanted twisting of the fastening device occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is segmented into multiple functional components: a receiving element with receiving area, a holder element with bearing area, and a spring element. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the receiving element provides mounting, the holder element enables rotation, and the spring element provides tension - collectively achieving reliable fastening with reduced assembly effort
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as an intermediary between the receiving element and holder element, providing continuous tension to secure the cover against twisting while allowing the holder element to rotate freely within the receiving area. This intermediary component mediates between the need for stability and the need for rotational movement
2Reliability
If two or more screws or rivets are provided to secure against twisting, then the fastening stability is improved, but the assembly effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single integrated fastening device. The receiving element, holder element, and spring element work together as one unit to provide both anti-twisting stability and rotational capability, eliminating the need for multiple separate screws or rivets and their associated complex assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides: (1) secure mounting to the housing lower part, (2) resistance to twisting forces, (3) allowance of rotational movement, and (4) maintenance of cover tension. This universality replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized fastening elements
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 effectively secures the cover against rotation with reduced assembly effort, using a self-tapping screw and latching mechanism, enhancing the connector's stability and ease of installation while minimizing installation complexity and potential errors.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element can be tensioned, wherein the fastening device is fastened to the lower housing part by means of a fastening element designed in the form of a screw or a rivet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug connector having a housing (1), wherein the housing (1) has a lower housing part (2) and a cover (3) for closing the lower housing part (2), wherein the cover (3) is pivotably arranged on the lower housing part (2) by means of a fastening device (4), wherein the fastening device (4) comprises an accommodating element (5) fastened to the lower housing part (2), a retaining element (6), which is fastened to the cover (3) and has a bearing region (32) by means of which the retaining element (6) is rotatably arranged on the accommodating element (5), and a spring element (7), which is accommodated in the accommodating element (5) and extends to the bearing region (32) of the retaining element (6), wherein at least one locking cam (26a, 26b) is formed for fastening the accommodating element (5) on the lower housing part (2), which at least one locking cam engages in an opening (18a, 18b), and wherein at least one fastening element (8) in the form of a screw or rivet is fed through the spring element (7) and the accommodating element (5) and is fastened to the lower housing part (2).