Rotationally Symmetrical Plug Connector for Creepage Clearance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors lack optimal clearances and creepage distances, and they are not efficiently designed to use identical parts, limiting their manufacturing efficiency and flexibility in assembly.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector with a rotationally symmetrical housing made of non-conductive material, featuring two housing halves that can be rotated to optimize clearances and creepage distances, allowing for identical part usage and flexible assembly in two directions, with form-fitting elements and locking arrangements for secure attachment without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the housing is designed with asymmetric connection devices for left and right housing halves, then the connection devices can be optimized for specific directions, but the manufacturing complexity increases and identical parts cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in reverse - it uses symmetry to solve an asymmetric problem. By making the housing rotationally symmetrical with identical connection devices on both sides, the patent enables flexibility in joining-on directions while simplifying manufacturing. The symmetrical design allows the same connection device to function in multiple orientations, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing efficiency and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The identical connection devices on both housing halves serve multiple functions - they can connect in either direction (left-to-right or right-to-left) and work with mating connectors from any side. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for direction-specific components, improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining versatility in assembly orientations.
2Area of stationary object
If the connection devices are placed close together to save space, then the installation space is reduced, but the clearances and creepage distances are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the space contradiction by utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement. The rotationally symmetrical housing with opposite-side connection devices creates optimal clearance distances in multiple dimensions while maintaining compact overall footprint. The vertical stacking and radial arrangement of connection devices on opposite sides maximizes creepage distances without increasing the horizontal installation area.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the housing is closed in the joining-on direction with an end plate, then the housing is fully enclosed, but the construction space and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into functional zones - the rotationally symmetrical housing body provides protection where needed, while the open ends allow for connector insertion and assembly. This segmentation eliminates the need for a complete enclosed structure with end plates, reducing material usage while maintaining adequate protection for internal components through the symmetrical housing design.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector has a housing made of an electrically non-conductive material such as a plastic which has a front side and a rear side. The housing has at least two insertion openings for conductor ends. The first and second insertion openings are in connection with respective first and second housing chambers. The first and second housing chambers have respective first and second connection devices. The housing further has a first housing half and a second housing half, wherein when rotated clockwise by 180° in a point of symmetry, the first housing half can be reproduced on the second housing half such that the housing is formed substantially or entirely in a rotationally symmetrical manner with regard to the point of symmetry or an axis of symmetry.