Electrical Plug Connector With Integrated Sensor Carrier Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intelligent electrical connectors are complex and difficult to assemble due to the need for multiple components, including a conventional printed circuit board and additional circuit components, which complicates the assembly process and requires a separate cover for sealing.

Innovation Solution

The electrical connector features a one-piece carrier body made of a non-metallic material, such as plastic, with a non-plate shape and metallic conductor tracks, housing a sensor device and control device, which is easily inserted into the housing and secured with screw threads, simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional printed circuit board with separate sensor device and control device is used, then the electrical circuit functions are achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires multiple components including a separate cover for sealing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical circuit functionVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device and control device are integrated onto a single printed circuit board, eliminating the need for separate carrier bodies and covers. This merging of components simplifies the overall structure and assembly process while maintaining all necessary electrical circuit functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple separate components (printed circuit board, sensor device, control device, cover) are used, then the electrical circuit with sensor and control functions is achieved, but the number of parts increases and assembly becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor and control device functionVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

All electronic components including the sensor device and control device are mounted on a single printed circuit board, which is then directly inserted into the housing. This eliminates the need for multiple assembly steps and separate sealing covers, significantly improving ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4173451B1Electrical plug connector
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 TURCK HOLDING GMBH
  • EP4173451B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical plug connector (10) having contacts (30) on the input side and a housing (20), within which electrical lines (40) and an electrical switch with at least one sensor device (84) and a control device (82) are connected to the contacts (30). According to the invention, the sensor device (84) and the control device (82) are arranged on a common support body (70). The support body is designed as a circuit carrier, which is made from plastic by injection-molding, on which metallic conductor tracks (80) are applied. Advantages: Simple integration of sensor and monitoring tasks into conventional plug connectors.