Plug Coupling Layout With Crossed Contacts and Ergonomic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connector couplings face challenges in manufacturing simplicity, user comfort, and ergonomic design, particularly with rotated plug sockets that complicate disconnection and require awkward handling.
Innovation Solution
The design features a common contact set with contact elements crossing each other, arranged 180° relative to the axis, and independent locking arms with actuating elements that can be intuitively operated, allowing for easy and simultaneous force application, along with a non-metallic sleeve for assembly and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plug sockets are arranged one behind the other on a common axis with symmetrical orientation, then the structure is compact and manufacturing is simplified, but the actuating elements require awkward handling and user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by rotating the plug sockets 180° relative to each other around the common axis, creating an asymmetric arrangement where actuating elements are positioned to allow intuitive simultaneous operation. This asymmetric configuration resolves the contradiction by enabling comfortable user interaction while preserving the compact axial structure for manufacturing simplicity.
2Volume of stationary object
If plug sockets are arranged one behind the other on a common axis, then the housing structure is compact, but the contact set becomes elaborate and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the contact paths by routing contact elements through a crossed arrangement within the contact set, allowing electrical connections to be established through a unified structure rather than separate elaborate pathways. This merging approach maintains housing compactness while simplifying the contact set design for easier manufacturing.
3Reliability
If locking arms are arranged opposite each other with independent actuating elements, then operational independence and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking function into two independent locking arms with separate actuating elements, allowing each side to be locked or unlocked independently. This segmentation enhances reliability by providing independent locking control while the modular design keeps the overall structure manageable and not excessively complex.
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
This solution enables a cost-effective, ergonomic, and secure plug connector coupling with independent locking and sealing capabilities, enhancing user comfort and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a sleeve made from elastic material, which presses the two half-shells against one another and in which the contact carriers are secured
Implementation Method 2
wherein the sleeve also protrudes beyond the housing in the direction of the common axis and has sealing lips at its two ends which face radially inwards
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector coupling, in the housing of which at least two female plug connectors are formed, are arranged such that they are rotated by 180° relative to one another about a common axis. For each female plug connector, a locking assembly is provided for each cable plug. The contact elements of both female plug connectors belong to a common contact set, in which the contact elements are guided in a crossing manner and same are arranged on opposing sides and rotated by 180° relative to one another about the common axis. Two locking arms are also arranged in an opposing manner relative to the common axis.