Plug Connector Pulling Aid with Integrated Shield Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical plug connectors with pulling aids face challenges in integrating a shield support while maintaining ease of removal, particularly in cramped spaces, where the pulling aid may collide with the cable shield, risking damage to the connection.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an electrically conductive section within the pulling aid serves as both a grip area for removal and a shield support, spatially separating gripping areas from shield contact points, allowing for reliable contact and preventing accidental cable pulling, with the conductive section fixed in a form-fitting manner and optionally using non-positive fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pulling aid is added to enable easy removal of the connector, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of collision with the cable shield increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removalVSAvoidcollision risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pulling aid is divided into functionally distinct zones: a gripping area for user interaction and a shield support area for cable contact. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between ease of removal and collision risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different areas of the pulling aid are assigned different properties: the gripping area has geometric features for finger engagement, while the shield support area provides a flat, stable surface for cable contact. This local differentiation enables the pulling aid to simultaneously facilitate removal while protecting the cable shield.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the pulling aid is designed with a large gripping area for easy grasping, then ease of operation is improved, but the space available for shield support is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrasping easeVSAvoidshield support area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pulling aid utilizes three-dimensional space by extending in multiple directions from the connector housing. The gripping areas are positioned laterally while the shield support area extends in a different spatial orientation, allowing both functions to coexist without compromising area availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The pulling aid structure is segmented into distinct functional zones that are spatially separated. The gripping areas are located in regions optimized for finger contact, while the shield support area is positioned in a separate zone, ensuring sufficient space for both functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If the pulling aid is made as a separate component for flexibility, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing flexibilityVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pulling aid is integrated with the connector housing as a single molded component. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and additional fastening elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pulling aid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides gripping areas for removal, supports the cable shield, and integrates with the connector housing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3044836B1Plug-type connector
Publication Date: 2018.06.13 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3044836B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3044836B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3044836B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical plug-type connector comprising a housing (10) for holding electrical plug elements, and comprising a pulling aid (2) made of an electrically insulating material, which enables the plug-type connector (1) to be pulled apart from a mating connector (101), and which protrudes from the housing (10) of the plug-type connector (1) in the form of a tab (20). The pulling aid (2) is provided with an electrically conductive portion (3) which is designed and provided as a screening support for the screening of an electrical lead that is to be connected to the electrical plug-type connector (1).