Rotatable Cable Outlet Piece for Flexible Plug Connector Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connector housings in harsh industrial environments are prone to damage and limited in flexibility, particularly when handling cables with large diameters and require specific outlet directions, leading to increased storage needs.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable cable outlet piece with a substantially circular cross-section and angled design, allowing for flexible cable routing and rotation, featuring a collar with fastening openings and a ring with fastening studs for secure attachment, along with internal steps and lugs to limit rotation, enabling adaptable cable direction and reduced storage needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed and angled cable outlet is used in plug connector housings, then the housing structure is simple and robust, but the adaptability to different installation environments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cable outlet piece is made rotatable about the cable axis, transforming a fixed static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt its orientation. The outlet piece can be rotated to different angular positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) and locked in place, allowing the same housing to serve multiple installation configurations without requiring multiple specialized housing variants.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate plug connector housings are provided for different outlet directions, then the adaptability is improved, but the storage requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal housing design incorporates a rotatable cable outlet piece that can be positioned in multiple orientations, replacing the need for multiple specialized housing variants. The outlet piece rotation mechanism enables one housing to perform the function of several different housings, reducing inventory requirements and simplifying storage while maintaining the ability to adapt to various installation directions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a clip-on bracket is used to alter cable bending angle, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability decreases due to damage and loss in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The cable outlet piece is integrated as an integral part of the housing structure rather than being a separate clip-on bracket. This merging eliminates the risk of the outlet piece becoming detached or lost in harsh industrial environments. The outlet piece is securely attached to the housing through a robust connection mechanism that maintains reliability while still allowing for angular adjustment and rotation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a clip-on bracket is used for cable outlet adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the bending force is limited and cannot handle large diameter cables
Solution Approach 1:
The cable outlet piece forms a structurally integrated part of the housing, creating a rigid and robust assembly capable of withstanding high bending forces. This integrated structure provides sufficient mechanical strength to handle large diameter cables and harsh industrial conditions, overcoming the force limitations of separate clip-on brackets while maintaining angular adjustability through the rotation mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector housing is provided having a cable through-opening with a substantially circular cross-section. The plug connector housing has a cable outlet piece, which substantially has the shape of an angled cylinder. The cable outlet piece is configured to be fastened to the cable through-opening of the plug connector housing and is mounted for rotation in a peripheral direction relative to the cable through-opening.