Plug Connector Guide Elements Convert Torque to Axial Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connections for high-current applications, such as emergency power connections, require significant axial force to establish a connection, which can be cumbersome and potentially hazardous, especially in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A plug connection design featuring a housing with guide elements that allow for a plugging movement combining translational and rotational components, accompanied by an automatically locking element, reduces the force required by applying a torque that compensates for resistance forces, making the connection more ergonomic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional plug connection with contact element and sealing element is used, then reliable electrical contact and protection against moisture/dust is achieved, but a relatively large axial force must be applied to establish the connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotational dimension to the traditionally linear plug connection process. The guide elements are designed with a rotational component that converts part of the rotational motion into axial insertion force, reducing the manual axial force required by the user while maintaining reliable contact and sealing.
2Reliability
If a locking element is added to automatically lock the plug-in connection, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is integrated into the existing guide elements structure. The guide elements serve dual functions: guiding the rotational insertion motion and providing the locking mechanism through their geometric design, thereby achieving secure locking without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 design significantly reduces the axial force needed to establish a connection, making it easier and safer for users, particularly in emergency scenarios, while maintaining secure locking and sealing against fluids.
Implementation Method 1
applying a torque to at least one of the two housings results in a supporting force in the direction of the plug-in movement
Data Source
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AI summary
A plug-type connection comprises a housing (1) on the female-connector side having a female-connector element (3) conducting the electrical current, a housing (2) on the male-connector side having a male-connector element (4) conducting the electrical current, and at least one contact element (5) for making electrical contact between the female-connector element (3) and the male-connector element (4). The female-connector element (3) and the male-connector element (4) extend substantially along a mid-axis (M). The housing (1) on the female-connector side and the housing (2) on the male-connector side and therefore the female-connector element (3) and the male-connector element (4) can be connected to one another via a plug-in movement (S), and electrical contact between the female-connector element (3) and the male-connector element (4) is produced in the connected state. The contact element (5) produces a first resistive force (F1) counter to the plug-in movement. The plug-type connection furthermore comprises an automatically self-locking locking element (6) for locking the plug-type connection, said locking element (6) producing a second resistive force (F2) counter to the plug-in movement (S). Guide elements (7) are provided between the housing (1) on the female-connector side and the housing (2) on the male-connector side, said guide elements being designed such that the application of a torque to at least one of the two housings (1, 2) results in an assisting force in the direction of the plug-in movement (S), with the result that at least part of the resistive forces (F1, F2) can be overcome by this resistive force.