Rotating Coding Element Mounting Frame for Electrical Connectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for preventing mating errors between electrical connectors are inflexible, requiring modification or replacement of components for recoding, and lack secure fixation of coding elements, limiting variability and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mounting frame with a front holding frame and a rear securing frame, featuring coding elements with a semicircular cross-section and star-shaped slots, allowing 36 initial combinations and up to 324 combinations with shape variations, securely fixed using screws or latching mechanisms, enabling flexible and reliable coding without modifying the connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If coding elements are inserted loosely or pressed into coding openings, then assembly is simple, but fixation is insecure and coding options are inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting frame is divided into two separate frame elements: a front holding frame that provides coding openings and a rear securing frame that provides fixation. This segmentation allows each frame element to have specialized functions - the front frame enables easy coding element insertion while the rear frame ensures secure fixation, resolving the contradiction between assembly simplicity and fixation security.
Solution Approach 2:
The coding element acts as an intermediary between the front holding frame and rear securing frame. It is inserted through the front frame's coding opening and secured by the rear frame, mediating between the need for simple insertion and secure fixation. The coding element's design with engagement features allows it to be easily inserted while being reliably retained.
2Adaptability or versatility
If entire flanges are removed for recoding, then new mating combinations can be created, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coding system is made dynamic and reconfigurable. Coding elements can be easily removed from the front holding frame and replaced with different coding elements to create new coding combinations. This dynamic approach allows recoding without removing entire flanges, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coding system is segmented into interchangeable coding elements that can be independently replaced. Instead of removing entire flanges for recoding, only individual coding elements need to be changed. This segmentation dramatically simplifies the recoding process while maintaining the ability to create various mating combinations.
3Reliability
If coding elements are riveted into coding openings, then fixation is secure, but assembly complexity increases and coding elements cannot be varied
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting frame is segmented into front and rear frame elements that work together to provide both simple insertion and secure fixation. The rear securing frame contains retention features that engage with the coding element, providing secure fixation without requiring riveting or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coding element design includes self-retention features that engage with the rear securing frame automatically upon insertion. The system is self-servicing in that the coding element secures itself without requiring additional fastening operations like riveting, maintaining both security and simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting frame is proposed for a system for preventing mating errors between electrical connectors, which mounting frame surrounds the connector at least on the plug side, wherein at least one coding element is held in the mounting frame. The coding element can rotate about its longitudinal axis and can be fixed in various radial positions in a front holding frame, wherein the front holding frame together with a rear securing frame forms the mounting frame. The coding element only interacts with a coding element on the mating connector to be connected when two connectors are being mated in a correspondingly correct position in the mounting frame, thus allowing the connectors to be mated.