Electrical Plug Connector With Elastic Spring Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connector parts fail to securely fasten connecting lines with varying cross-sectional widths, leading to mechanical stress from vibrations, such as in motor vehicles, resulting in deteriorated or failed connections.

Innovation Solution

A clamping bracket with molded-on elastic spring arms that can be positioned in two latching modes, allowing easy assembly and secure fixation of connecting lines with different cross-sectional widths by pressing them against the inner walls of the protective housing, ensuring vibration-resistant attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism with fixed receiving recesses is used to fasten connecting lines, then the connecting lines are securely fastened against vibrations, but the connector only accepts connecting lines with a specific cross-sectional width and cannot accommodate varying line sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration resistance of connectionVSAvoidacceptance of different line cross-sections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the receiving recesses dynamically adjustable through elastic deformation. The housing material is designed to be elastically deformable, allowing the receiving recesses to adapt their shape and size to different connecting line cross-sections. When a connecting line is inserted, the housing deforms elastically to surround the line, and the locking mechanism engages with the deformed housing to secure it. This dynamic adaptation enables the connector to reliably fasten connecting lines of various cross-sectional widths while maintaining vibration resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the receiving recesses are made elastic to accommodate different line sizes, then adaptability to different cross-sections is improved, but the mechanical strength and precision of the locking mechanism deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacceptance of different line cross-sectionsVSAvoidlocking mechanism strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connector into distinct functional components: the housing that provides elastic adaptation, and the separate locking mechanism that provides secure fastening. The locking mechanism includes independent locking elements that can engage with the deformed housing at specific locking positions. This segmentation allows the elastic housing to adapt to different line sizes while the rigid locking mechanism maintains its strength and precision for reliable securing, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a precise shape adjustment mechanism is used to enclose connecting lines, then vibration resistance is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration resistance of connectionVSAvoidshape adjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the material property parameter of the housing - specifically its elastic modulus and deformability. Instead of complex mechanical shape adjustment mechanisms, the housing material is selected and designed to naturally deform elastically when a connecting line is inserted. This change in material parameter allows the housing to automatically adapt its shape to surround different line cross-sections, and the locking mechanism simply needs to engage at predetermined locking positions. This approach significantly reduces device complexity while maintaining vibration resistance through the elastic怀抱 of the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution effectively secures connecting lines of various sizes, providing adequate holding force and adaptability to different cross-sectional widths, thereby enhancing vibration resistance and assembly simplicity.

Implementation Method 1

the clamping bracket having a molded-on elastic spring arm for each through-opening in the protective housing, which, after assembly on the protective housing, resiliently attaches a connecting line routed through the through-opening to an inner wall of the protective housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3286807B1Electrical plug-type connector part
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 KOSTAL KONTAKT SYSTEME GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3286807B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3286807B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3286807B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention describes an electrical plug-type connector part comprising a contact carrier (1) which has receptacle chambers (2) for electrical plug-type contact elements which are each connected to an electrical connection line (3), and comprising a protective housing (4) which engages over the contact carrier (1) at least in sections, and which forms passage openings (5) for the electrical connection lines (3), and comprising a clamping bracket (6) which can be joined to the protective housing (4) in a latching manner and which fixes the electrical connection lines (3) to the protective housing (4) in a clamping manner after the joining process, wherein the clamping bracket (6) has an integrally formed elastic spring arm (7) for each passage opening (5) in the protective housing (4), said elastic spring arm, after being fitted to the protective housing (4), pressing a connection line (3), which is guided through the passage opening (5), against an inner wall (14) of the protective housing (4) in a resilient manner.