System Connector Adapter Module for Flexible Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing system connectors require prewiring to establish contact pin and socket sides, necessitating a supply of differently wired connectors during construction, limiting variability and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The integration of adapter modules with cylindrical adapter elements on both sides, allowing for electrical contacting regardless of current direction, and optional bridge elements for bridging adjacent contacts, along with visible indicators for user confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prewiring is performed to establish contact pin and socket sides, then electrical contact can be ensured, but connector versatility and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional modules: contact modules with contact elements and adapter modules with adapter elements. This segmentation allows each module to be independently configured and combined, enabling the same contact module to work with different adapter modules to achieve various wiring configurations without prewiring constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact modules are designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate different adapter modules. The adapter modules provide multiple adapter elements (pin, socket, bridge) that can be selected based on the required wiring configuration. This universal design allows a single contact module to serve multiple functions with different wiring arrangements, eliminating the need for prewired connectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If differently wired connectors are supplied during construction, then various wiring configurations are achieved, but inventory complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the contact module and adapter module into a single functional assembly. The adapter module acts as a bridge between the contact module and the mating connector, providing the wiring configuration functionality. This merging allows a single base contact module to be combined with different adapter modules to create various wired connectors, reducing the need to maintain separate inventory of differently wired connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring configuration is changed by swapping adapter modules rather than using different contact modules. The adapter modules provide different adapter elements (pin, socket, bridge configurations) that change the electrical parameters of the connector assembly. This allows the same contact module to be reconfigured for different wiring needs by simply changing the adapter module, reducing inventory requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adapter modules are added to contact modules, then connector versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter module is designed to be mounted onto the contact module, with the adapter module containing the adapter elements that interface with the contact elements. This nested structure allows the adapter module to be attached to or removed from the contact module, providing versatility without permanently complicating the basic contact module structure. The nesting enables easy configuration changes while maintaining a relatively simple base design.
Data Source
AI summary
A system connector includes a first housing half, and a second housing half matching the first housing half. The two housing halves are snappable and lockable to each other via a locking device, and there is at least one contact module arranged in each of the housing halves. The contact module includes socket-like and/or pin-like electrical contact elements. An adapter module that is mountable on the contact module has a first connection side and a second connection side, each of which includes cylindrical adapter elements arranged in a row, in which socket contacts or pin contacts are arranged. The adapter module on its first connection side is connectable to one of the contact modules arranged within one of the housing halves. The socket contacts or pin contacts of the adapter element of the second connection side are suitable for electrical contacting of the contact modules of the matching housing halves.