Stackable Connector Housing Modules for Versatile Multi-Part Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector housings lack a modular design that allows for flexible assembly of various connector parts and modules, limiting their versatility and application range.
Innovation Solution
A stacking module with fasteners and counter fasteners on its sides, enabling assembly with other modules to form a connector housing, along with lower and upper end modules that simplify construction and save space, allowing for a variety of connector parts to be combined and supported.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If connector housings use a non-modular design, then the structure is simpler, but the versatility and application range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is divided into multiple independent stacking modules, each capable of being assembled with others to form different configurations. Each module contains connector parts supported on opposite sides, allowing flexible combination to create housings with varying numbers of connector parts while maintaining structural integrity through standardized coupling features.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking modules are designed with universal coupling features including fasteners, counter fasteners, upper side walls, and lower side walls that enable the same module design to be used in various positions and configurations. This universal design allows arbitrary numbers of modules to be assembled together, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized component designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connector housings are assembled from multiple modules, then the application range expands, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connector housing into standardized stacking modules with identical coupling interfaces, the assembly process becomes systematic rather than complex. Each module is a self-contained unit that can be independently manufactured and then assembled through simple coupling operations, reducing the overall assembly complexity despite the multi-module construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener and counter fastener features are designed to merge adjacent stacking modules into a unified connector housing structure. This merging mechanism simplifies assembly by providing intuitive coupling actions where modules are joined together through straightforward fastening operations, eliminating the need for complex alignment or multiple fastening steps.
3Productivity
If stacking modules include fasteners and side walls, then the housing can be assembled with arbitrary numbers of modules, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is segmented into standardized stacking modules that can be manufactured independently using the same tooling and processes. This segmentation allows for high-volume production of identical modules, reducing per-unit manufacturing complexity even though the final assembly can include arbitrary numbers of modules through repetitive use of the same standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fasteners, counter fasteners, upper side walls, and lower side walls are designed as universal features incorporated into each stacking module. This universal design means the same manufacturing processes and component designs are reused across all modules, simplifying manufacturing by eliminating the need for custom features for different module configurations while still enabling arbitrary assembly flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A
AI summary
A module (2) for a connector housing (1) which can be assembled with one or more other stacking module(s) (2) in a stack to form the connector housing (1), the stacking module (2) comprising a connector part support (5) with an upper face and a lower face. At a first side of the connector part support (5) an upper side wall (6) extends away from the connector part support's (5) upper face, and/or at a second side of the connector part support (5) a lower side wall (7) extends away from the lower face of the connector part support (5). A first fastener and a first counter fastener are provided at one of the first and a second sides of the connector part support (5). The connector part can be an electrical contact pin, an electrical contact bushing, an edge card, a coaxial connector part, a mating part of an optical fibre contact and a mating part of a fluid conduit. Moreover, a set comprising the stacking modules and a connector housing (1) assembled of the modules (2) of the set.