Plug Connector Module Elements for Multi-Directional Interlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connector modules have limited flexibility and variability due to restrictive retaining frames, which restrict the combinability and usability of contact inserts mainly in the longitudinal direction.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector module design featuring module elements with retaining and fastening contours that allow for form-fitting interlocking, enabling torsion-resistant, tilt-resistant, and displacement-resistant assembly in multiple directions, allowing for greater flexibility and variability in module combination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining frame is used to hold plug connector modules, then the modules are held securely, but the flexibility and variability of module combination is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining frame is divided into multiple individual retaining elements arranged in rows and columns. Each retaining element can independently hold a plug connector module, allowing selective combination and arrangement of modules without being constrained by a rigid unified frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining elements are designed to be movable or adjustable within the retaining frame structure, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of module positions and orientations. This allows the system to adapt to different application requirements while maintaining secure holding.
2Ease of manufacture
If module elements are assembled in only one direction, then assembly is simple, but the number of possible configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The module elements are designed with asymmetric retaining contours that enable recognition and assembly in multiple orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°). The asymmetric design provides mechanical guidance and ensures correct orientation while allowing greater configurational flexibility compared to symmetric single-direction assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly capability is extended from one dimension to multiple dimensions by enabling module elements to be assembled not only in the longitudinal direction but also in the transverse direction and at various orientations. This multi-dimensional assembly capability dramatically increases the number of possible configurations.
3Reliability
If retaining contours are formed on all walls of module elements, then assembly resistance is maximized, but wall thickness and insulation capability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Retaining contours are formed only on specific localized regions of the module element walls (such as edges or specific surfaces) rather than covering the entire wall surface. This localized approach provides sufficient assembly resistance and mechanical interlocking while preserving adequate wall thickness for insulation and structural strength in critical areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A module element is provided for accommodating pluggable contact means and/or functional elements to provide an assembled plug connector module. The module element has a retaining contour arranged and designed in such a way that a first module element can be joined with a second module element in a transverse direction, and/or the module element has a fastening contour and at least one fastening element, which are arranged and designed correspondingly in such a way that a first module element can be joined with a second module element in the transverse direction to form the plug connector module. A plug connector module composed of at least two of the module elements described above is also provided.