Axially Slidable Cable Connector Housing with Sealed Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector housings with latching mechanisms and sealing contours prevent relative movement between the contact and latching mechanism, limiting their use in environments requiring dust and water protection.
Innovation Solution
A connector housing design featuring a sliding sleeve with locking devices and a circumferential gasket, allowing axial displacement of the contact holder within the housing, and incorporating a spring for continuous pressure against the female connector, while maintaining a seal and high extraction forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a housing with latching mechanism and sealing contour is used, then protection against dust and water is improved, but relative movement between contact and latching mechanism is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is divided into two functional parts: an outer housing providing protection and latching, and an inner sliding sleeve containing the contact holder that can move axially. This segmentation allows the protective housing to remain stationary while the contact holder moves independently within the sliding sleeve, resolving the contradiction between sealing and movement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The contact holder is nested within the sliding sleeve, which itself is nested within the connector housing. This nested structure enables the contact holder to move axially within the sliding sleeve while the sliding sleeve remains constrained within the sealed housing, maintaining both protection and movement capability
2Manufacturing precision
If connectors with own contact latching mechanisms are used, then tolerance compensation is improved, but relative movement between contact and housing is no longer possible
Solution Approach 1:
The contact holder is designed with dynamic movement capability through the sliding sleeve mechanism, allowing it to move axially to accommodate tolerance variations in connectors with latching mechanisms. The spring-loaded design provides continuous pressure while maintaining the ability to adjust position, combining tolerance compensation with operational flexibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If a sliding sleeve with locking devices is used, then axial displacement of contact holder is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking devices on the sliding sleeve are designed to automatically engage with the connector housing without requiring additional actuation mechanisms. The spring-loaded contact holder automatically maintains pressure against the female connector, and the circumferential gasket automatically provides sealing, eliminating the need for complex control systems and reducing overall device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables axial relative movement of the contact holder within the connector housing to accommodate tolerance and latching mechanisms, providing a sealed and reliable connection in protected environments.
Implementation Method 1
A spring that surrounds the contact holder may be additionally arranged between the contact holder and the connector housing such that it continuously presses the contact holder in the mating direction.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to realize a connector housing (10) that is tightly sealed relative to the environment, there is provided a device for an axially slidable connector-ended cable (5) because a contact holder (20) connected to the connector-ended cable can be displaced by a defined axial distance (C) within the connector housing, wherein a constant pressure is exerted upon the contact holder (35) of a corresponding female connector (3) by means of an integrated pressure spring (40).