Rotatable Encoding Devices for Plug-in Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plug-in connector systems have limited encoding possibilities, making it difficult to distinguish between multiple pairs of connector parts, which can lead to incorrect connections.

Innovation Solution

A plug-in connector system with a locking section and insertion opening on one part and a locking element on the other, allowing for a bayonet-style connection that provides multiple encoding positions through rotational engagement, ensuring only correctly encoded parts can connect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional encoding devices with limited encoding possibilities are used, then the device complexity remains low, but the number of distinguishable connector pairs is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of encoding possibilitiesVSAvoidencoding device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The encoding device is divided into two separate parts: a first encoding part that remains on the first plug-in connector part, and a second encoding part that transfers to the second plug-in connector part. This segmentation allows each part to have simpler structure while collectively providing multiple encoding possibilities through different rotational positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The encoding mechanism transitions from linear/planar encoding to three-dimensional rotational encoding. The second encoding part can be rotated to different angular positions around the plug-in direction, creating encoding in the rotational dimension. This adds a new degree of freedom for encoding without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If spring arms with latching connection are used for pre-assembly, then the encoding parts can be arranged together on the plug-in connector part, but the number of encoding positions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoding positionsVSAvoidconnection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism transitions from a static latching connection to a dynamic rotational connection. The bayonet-style connection allows the second encoding part to be rotated to multiple discrete angular positions while maintaining a secure connection, enabling multiple encoding positions without requiring multiple separate latching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking section and locking element are designed with asymmetric geometries that permit rotation only to specific discrete angular positions. This asymmetric design naturally limits the rotation to predetermined positions, providing multiple encoding positions while maintaining a simple and robust connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If a bayonet-style rotational connection is implemented, then multiple encoding positions are achieved, but the connection process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoding possibilitiesVSAvoidconnection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The first encoding part is pre-assembled on the first plug-in connector part before the actual connection. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the two connector parts are connected, the encoding parts are already in the correct relative orientation, simplifying the connection process and reducing the need for complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bayonet-style connection with locking elements and locking sections automatically guides the second encoding part into the correct rotational position during insertion. The asymmetric geometry of the locking mechanisms self-aligns the components, eliminating the need for manual alignment or complex positioning procedures by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11189969B2Plug-in connector system with plural two-part encoding devices that are rotatable to discrete positions

Publication Date: 2021.11.30 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A plug-in connector system includes: a first plug-in connector part and a second plug-in connector part, which are connectable to one another in a plug-in manner along a plug-in direction; and an encoding device having a first encoding part connectable to the first plug-in connector part and a second encoding part connectable to the second plug-in connector part. The first encoding part and the second encoding part are arrangeable together on the second plug-in connector in a pre-assembly position and the first encoding part is connectable with the first plug-in connector part during connecting of the first plug-in connector part and the second plug-in connector part and to remain on the first plug-in connector part during detaching of the first plug-in connector part and the second plug-in connector part from each other. One of the second plug-in connector part and the second encoding part has a locking section.