Plug-in Module With Undercut Plug Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in control modules have limited plug regions on their front faces, restricting their use in scenarios with limited insertion space and necessitating inefficient cable routing.
Innovation Solution
The integration of additional plug regions between the front and rear mounting faces of the module, utilizing undercut surfaces to create more space for plugs, with cable routing optimized through transverse faces and the use of retaining lugs to secure cables, allowing for flexible placement and reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If plug regions are only provided on the front face of the module, then the module structure remains simple, but the number of available plug spaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends plug region availability from a two-dimensional front face to a three-dimensional configuration by creating additional plug regions on the lateral boundary walls through undercut portions. This dimensional expansion allows multiple plug spaces to be formed on the side surfaces of the housing, effectively increasing the total number of plug regions without significantly complicating the overall module structure.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple plug regions are provided on the front face, then more plugs can be connected, but cable routing becomes more complex and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the plug regions into two distinct groups: those on the front face and those on the lateral boundary walls. This segmentation allows cables to be routed through different spatial paths - front face plugs can use traditional front routing while lateral wall plugs utilize the side surfaces for cable access. The undercut portions that create lateral plug regions also provide integrated cable routing channels, simplifying cable management for side-mounted plugs.
3Quantity of substance
If the module width is increased to accommodate more plug regions, then more plugs can be connected, but the module occupies more space on the mounting rail
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the module width to accommodate more plug regions, the patent utilizes the lateral boundary walls and undercut portions to create additional plug spaces in the vertical and depth dimensions. This approach allows multiple plug regions to be formed on the side surfaces without increasing the module's footprint on the mounting rail, effectively solving the space constraint problem by transitioning from a width-based to a height/depth-based plug region configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-in module for mounting on a mounting device is provided, the plug-in module including a housing with a rear mounting face and plug regions on the front face. At least one additional plug region is formed between the front face and the rear mounting face on the housing.