Universal Plug Connector Socket for Wide Current and Voltage Ranges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plug connector systems lack versatility in accommodating different current and voltage ranges, requiring multiple models for various electrical connections, which complicates their use in applications like vehicle power supplies.

Innovation Solution

A plug connector system with a sleeve-like contact socket that provides electrical contact via both inner and outer lateral surfaces, allowing for different contact areas and configurations to support a wide range of current and voltage ratings, and includes a contact spring for optimized contact and mechanical retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple plug connector models are used to accommodate different current and voltage ranges, then the adaptability to different electrical connections is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different current and voltage rangesVSAvoidnumber of plug connector models
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plug connector is designed with a universal contact socket that can accommodate different contact pins for various current and voltage ranges through a single standardized interface, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connector models while maintaining adaptability to different electrical connection requirements

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

2Device complexity

If a single plug connector model is used for all electrical connections, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different current and voltage ranges deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of plug connector modelsVSAvoidadaptability to different current and voltage ranges
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The contact socket is segmented into multiple contact regions that can selectively engage with different contact pin configurations, allowing a single connector model to adapt to various current and voltage ranges through modular contact engagement rather than requiring multiple specialized models

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 a single plug connector model to handle various electrical connections across different current and voltage ranges, supporting high-current applications up to 350 A and 1200 V, while ensuring safety with an insulating finger guard and secure mating via a guide pin.

Implementation Method 1

a contact spring which is provided to produce the electrically conductive connection between the contact socket and the contact pin of the plug connector mating piece which is inserted into the receiving region is arranged on the lateral surface of the contact socket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4492581A1Plug connector, plug connector mating piece and plug connector system
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 TE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS GMBH
  • EP4492581A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4492581A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4492581A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A plug connector is designed such that a plug connector mating piece can be plugged together with the plug connector along a connection direction. The plug connector has a contact socket, via which electrical contact with a correspondingly designed contact connector mating piece can be effected. The contact socket is formed in such a way that an electrical contact with the plug connector mating piece can be achieved via a contact pin and/or a mating contact socket of the plug connector mating piece.