Plug Connector Housing Integrated Fixing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connector housings face challenges in securely fixing both electric contact elements and cables without increasing the number of parts, complexity, and cost, while also addressing cable movements and vibrations under environmental stress.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector housing with a single integrated fixing element that includes a locking member for securing the electric contact element and a clamping member for securing the cable, using a combination of hinges and comb-like clamping devices to provide a compact, low-cost, and efficient solution that secures both components within the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate members are used to intercept cables and prevent cable movements, then cable security is improved, but the number of parts, costs and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cable securing function and contact element locking function into a single integrated fixing element. This fixing element includes a cable securing portion that clamps the cable and a contact element locking portion that retains the contact element, eliminating the need for separate cable ties or winding strips while maintaining reliable cable security.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the cable to the housing, locks the contact element in place, and provides strain relief. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed in the connector assembly while improving overall reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple separate fixing components are used to secure contact elements and cables, then securing reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cable clamp and contact element retainer into a single molded fixing element that is formed as one piece with the housing. This integration reduces manufacturing steps, eliminates the need for separate assembly operations, and lowers overall production costs while maintaining secure retention of both cables and contact elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element is designed with distinct functional zones: a cable securing portion with clamping features and a contact element locking portion with retaining features. This segmentation of functions within a single integrated component allows for optimized design of each function while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through single-piece molding.
3Reliability
If additional cable fixation components are added, then cable strain relief is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element incorporates strain relief features directly into its structure, with the cable securing portion designed to absorb and distribute mechanical loads. This integration of strain relief functionality into the existing fixing element eliminates the need for additional cable management components and simplifies the overall assembly process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A plug connector housing (101) for an electric plug connector (100), in particular a 4 or 5-pin electric plug connector (100) for an air bag, wherein a fixing element (110) for fixing an electric contact element (10) and a cable (30) is arranged in/on the plug connector housing (101), wherein the electric contact element (10) can be secured in the plug connector housing (101) by the fixing element (110) and the cable (30) can be clamped on the plug connector housing (101) by the fixing element (110). Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by an electric plug connector (100) and an electrical plug-in connection (1) to a plug connector housing (101) according to the invention.