Plug Connector Coupler Spring Clip Snap-In Mating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connections face issues with permanent contact reliability and proper mating, leading to potential detachment and disruption of electrical connections, especially under harsh conditions like vibration, due to the need for additional movable parts that may not fit correctly.
Innovation Solution
A coupler with a T-shaped spring clip and a plug housing design featuring inwardly set-back wall areas, allowing for a snap-in connection that prevents slippage and ensures correct mating, while enabling easy disconnection without tools, and facilitating coding through distinct cross-sectional shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a plug cover is added to protect contact pins, then contact pin protection is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability deteriorates due to potential misfitting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the protective function from a separate plug cover component and integrates it directly into the plug housing structure. The recessed wall areas (232, 233) form an integrated protective structure that guides and protects contact pins without requiring a separate movable cover, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function previously provided by a separate plug cover is merged with the plug housing itself. The recessed wall areas create an integrated guidance and protection system that combines structural support, contact pin protection, and mating guidance into a single unified structure, eliminating the need for additional components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If chamfers are added to prevent improper mating, then contact pin protection is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional geometric features
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed wall areas serve multiple functions simultaneously: they guide the plug insertion, protect contact pins from damage, prevent improper mating orientations, and provide structural support. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate chamfer features while achieving the same protective goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer wall is segmented into different functional areas (231, 232, 233, 234) with distinct geometries, each serving a specific purpose in the mating process. This segmentation allows precise control over insertion guidance and contact pin protection without adding overall complexity to the housing design.
3Reliability
If a snap-in connection is implemented, then contact reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip (15) provides a dynamic snap-in connection that automatically engages when plugs are mated, ensuring reliable contact. The spring mechanism allows for easy manual disconnection by overcoming the spring force, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining connection reliability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip utilizes elastic deformation parameters to create a snap-in effect during mating. The spring force provides sufficient holding power for reliable contact while remaining easily overcomable by manual force for disconnection, achieving both reliability and ease of operation through parameter optimization.
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 ensures permanent contact reliability, prevents improper mating, and allows for easy connection and disconnection, maintaining functionality even under harsh conditions like vibration, while enabling clear assignment of specific plugs to couplers.
Implementation Method 1
a spring clip (15) which is elastically deformable and interacts with a corresponding element on the plug side in such a way that, when the coupler and the plug are plugged together, a snap-in connection is formed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The coupler (10) has a coupler housing (11) with a contact chamber (12) for receiving a contact partner. A chamfer (13) is provided at corner of the coupler housing. The coupler housing has a protruding spring shackle (15) comprising a shoulder in a region of a free end, where the coupler housing and the spring shackle form a single piece component. The spring shackle is fastened to the housing. An outward projection (14) is provided in the coupler housing. The coupler housing has a back plate (17) with a recess (19). An independent claim is also included for a plug comprising a plug housing.