Plug-in Connector Spring Element Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for optical conductors require complex assembly with multiple components, leading to increased production costs, susceptibility to manufacturing errors, and precision challenges due to minimal tolerance deviations, which complicates the achievement of reliable and secure connections.
Innovation Solution
A simplified connector design utilizing a base body with a through opening, a tubular conductor holder, and an anti-kink protection, where a spring element is clamped between the conductor holder and the kink protection to generate a contact force, reducing the number of components and eliminating the need for intermediate parts, allowing for precise alignment and secure connection with a snap or frictional connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple components are used in the connector assembly, then the connector can provide secure connection and conductor protection, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing precision requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring element and strain relief into a single integrated component. The spring element serves dual functions: providing contact force to advance the conductor holder and acting as strain relief to protect the conductor from excessive bending. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the security and protection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a contact force generator to push the conductor holder forward, provides strain relief to prevent conductor damage, and serves as a mechanical element for assembling the conductor holder to the base body. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple components are assembled together, then the connector can achieve secure connection, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to minimal tolerance deviations
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the spring element and strain relief into one component, the patent eliminates the need for precise positioning and assembly between separate spring and strain relief parts. This reduces the cumulative tolerance deviations that would otherwise accumulate from multiple assembly steps, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the intermediate parts (separate spring element and strain relief components) and replaces them with a single integrated component. This extraction of unnecessary intermediate components simplifies the assembly process and reduces the number of interfaces where precision alignment is critical.
3Ease of manufacture
If intermediate parts are used to connect the spring element to the base body, then the assembly can be more flexible, but the number of components increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is designed to connect directly to the base body without intermediate parts. The spring element includes a first end that connects to the base body and a second end that connects to the conductor holder, creating a direct connection that eliminates the need for separate mounting components or intermediaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes intermediate connection parts from the assembly. The spring element is designed as a single component that directly interfaces with both the base body and conductor holder, extracting the need for separate mounting brackets, screws, or other intermediate fastening elements.
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 design reduces production costs, minimizes manufacturing errors, and ensures precise alignment, resulting in a reliable and cost-effective connector with improved assembly efficiency and reduced risk of component misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element (5) is clamped between the conductor holder (3) and the strain relief (4), which serves to position the conductor (8) relative to the base body (2) or to generate a contact force for connecting the conductor (8)
Implementation Method 2
the force exerted by the spring on the strain relief is transmitted via the strain relief to the base body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug-in connector for connecting at least one conductor, in particular a conductor cable with an optical conductor, comprising a main body (2) having a continuous opening, a tube-like conductor holder (3) and an anti-kink element (4). The conductor holder (3) is arranged at least partially inside the main body and movably mounted therein. The anti-kink element (4) protrudes at least partially over the main body (2). A spring element (5) is provided for positioning the conductor relative to the main body (2) and is clamped between the conductor holder (3) and the anti-kink element (4).