Solar Junction Box Plug Connector Retention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection and junction boxes for solar cell modules lack secure and defined fixation of plug connectors, leading to handling and transportation challenges due to loose connection lines, and require connectors to be inserted in a specific rotational position, which can be difficult with rigid designs.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves holding devices with integrally formed spring arms and abutments for axial fixation and a trough-like design with omega-shaped extensions for radial fixation, allowing plug connectors to be securely fixed axially and radially while remaining freely rotatable, and an additional part with interconnecting webs and fasteners for attachment to the housing, enabling easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plug connectors are fixed in a defined axial position, then connection reliability is improved, but connector insertion complexity increases due to specific rotational position requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device incorporates a spring arm that provides dynamic, flexible retention rather than rigid fixed positioning. The spring arm can deflect to accommodate connector insertion while maintaining axial fixation, allowing the connector to be inserted without precise rotational positioning while still achieving reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arm changes its mechanical state from a relaxed position to a compressed position during connector insertion, allowing the system to adapt to the insertion process. This parameter change enables the holding device to guide the connector into the correct position dynamically rather than requiring precise initial positioning.
2Device complexity
If holding devices are integrated into the housing, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and reusability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is designed as a separable component that can be detached from the housing. This segmentation allows the holding device to be reused with different housings or configurations, enhancing adaptability and reusability while maintaining simplicity when integrated with a specific housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device is designed with universal mounting features that allow it to be attached to different housing types or configurations. This multi-functionality enables the same holding device to serve multiple purposes and be reused across different applications, increasing versatility without significantly increasing 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
This design provides a more secure and defined fixation of plug connectors, facilitating easier handling and transportation, and allows for universal and multiple use of parts, enhancing the assembly and testing processes by ensuring axial and radial stability while maintaining rotational freedom.
Implementation Method 1
each holding device has integrally formed spring arms and an abutment opposite them, which cooperate with one another to axially fix the received connector, in that the spring arms are supported next to the cable outlet of the connector on the back of the connector housing, and these with a force acting in the axial direction Press spring force against the counter bearing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
According to the invention, an electrical connection and junction box for a solar cell module, comprising a housing, in which a connecting device for electrically contacting the conductor strips of the solar cell module with connection cables led out of the housing is accommodated, the connection cables each being provided with a plug connector at the ends of the connection cables facing away from the housing, and retaining devices being present on the outside of the housing, on which retaining devices the plug connectors can be detachably fastened, is characterized in that the retaining device are designed in such a way that the plug connectors accommodated in the retaining devices are retained in such a way that the plug connectors are fixed in the axial and radial directions and freely rotatable about the longitudinal axes of the plug connectors.