Electric Plug Connector with Integrated Strain Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector plugs require complex assembly processes and special tools to connect cables, which complicates field installations and increases the risk of incorrect connections and signal interference.
Innovation Solution
The connector plug features a housing with a strain relief mechanism that securely holds the connection module in place, allowing for tool-free cable connection and reduced signal coupling between wire pairs through a modular design with separate chambers and an electrically conductive housing for shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional connector assembly process is used with multiple components (shielding plate, outer housing, union nut), then the connector provides robust cable securing, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (shielding plate, outer housing, union nut, and cable securing elements) into an integrated connector housing structure. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate assembly steps and special tools, allowing the cable to be secured directly through the housing without requiring a shielding plate, outer housing, and union nut to be assembled separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, acts as a shielding element, secures the cable through integrated strain relief features, and houses the contact elements. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate specialized components like a dedicated shielding plate and union nut.
2Ease of operation
If connection modules are designed for easy detachment and reconnection, then field installation becomes simpler, but the risk of unintentional release increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic locking mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The housing includes movable locking elements that engage with corresponding features on the connection module to secure it in place during normal operation, but can be deliberately disengaged when needed for installation or replacement, providing both stability and ease of reconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary structure between the cable assembly and the connection module. It provides a stable mounting interface with built-in strain relief features that distribute mechanical stress, preventing unintentional release while allowing controlled detachment through deliberate manipulation of the locking mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If wires are connected directly to contact elements, then the connection process is simpler, but signal interference between wire pairs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing interior is segmented into separate chambers or compartments that physically isolate different wire pairs from each other. This segmentation maintains the simplicity of direct wire-to-contact connections while reducing electromagnetic interference between adjacent wire pairs through physical separation and potential shielding within each chamber.
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric plug connector having a connection module, which has multiple contact elements to establish an electric connection to corresponding contact elements of a connection socket, and having a terminal module, which has multiple terminal elements for connecting one lead each of a cable, wherein the terminal module can be detachably connected to the connection module for establishing an electric connection between the terminal elements and one contact element each. In order to refine the plug connector such that it can be connected to the cable more easily without special tools, according to the invention the connection module comprises a housing into which the terminal module can be inserted, as well as a tension relief member that is connected to the housing and extends over the terminal module, wherein a cable connected to the terminal module can be secured to the connection module via the tension relief member.