Shield Conductor Connecting Device with Movable Cover and Locking Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in securely and efficiently connecting uninsulated shield conductors to components like printed circuit boards, as existing connecting devices require complex handling and lack effective locking mechanisms to prevent undesired movement of the housing cover.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a connecting device with a movable cover that securely holds the shield conductor in place, featuring a locking mechanism with a movable locking member and a blocking element to prevent unwanted movement, allowing for easy insertion and secure contact of the shield conductor without insulation, and is designed for simplified handling and production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connecting device with a movable cover is used to securely hold the shield conductor, then the reliability of electrical contact is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the addition of locking mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contact reliabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a locking member with a blocking element that can move between locked and unlocked positions, and a cover that can move between open and closed positions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, ensuring reliable electrical contact while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element is designed to automatically block the locking member's movement from locked to unlocked position when the cover is in the closed position, without requiring additional actuation mechanisms. This self-service feature enhances reliability by preventing accidental disconnection while simplifying the overall mechanism by eliminating the need for separate control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If locking means with a blocking element are added to prevent unwanted movement, then the stability of the connection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional steps required to access the shield conductor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidshield conductor access
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is pre-positioned to automatically engage when the cover moves to the closed position, securing the locking member before any operational use. This preliminary action ensures connection stability is established in advance, while the simple cover removal process maintains ease of operation when shield conductor access is needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring active manipulation to unlock the connection, the design inverts the approach by using the cover's presence to automatically block the locking member's movement. This inversion ensures stability through passive mechanical blocking while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive cover removal and replacement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a cover is added to close the opening of the receiving space, then the protection against external influences is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against external influencesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cover serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the receiving space and shield conductor from external influences, provides a mounting surface for the locking mechanism, and acts as a user interface for accessing the shield conductor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining comprehensive protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cover is merged with the locking mechanism structure, where the cover's closure action directly engages the locking member and blocking element. This merging eliminates the need for separate protective housings or additional sealing components, reducing part count and manufacturing complexity while providing effective protection against external influences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11031705B2Electronic device housing incorporating a cable connecting device
Publication Date: 2021.06.08 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • US11031705B2 patent drawing
  • US11031705B2 patent drawing
  • US11031705B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to an electronic device (2) comprising a housing body (4) for housing components, a connector (6) which has a receiving space (8) for a shield conductor section (10) and a housing cover (22) which is movable between a starting position and an end position for covering a portion (24) of the housing body. In this case the connector (6) has at least one cover (20), which is arranged movably on the housing body (4) between an open position and a closed position, in which the cover closes the opening (18). Furthermore, locking means (36) are provided with at least one locking member (38) which is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, in which the locking member unlocks the cover (20) for a movement. The locking means (36) have at least one locking element (54) which is movable between a locking position, in which the locking element blocks a movement of the locking member (38) from a locking position into an unlocking position, and an unlocking position, in which a movement of the locking member (38) between a locking position and an unlocking position is allowed.