Withdrawable Connector Assembly for Easier Secure Insertion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection assemblies face difficulties in facilitating the insertion of electrical connectors due to their configuration, which hinders efficient electrical connections.

Innovation Solution

A connection assembly comprising a withdrawable connector and a fixing foot, where the connector cooperates with the external conductor through a relative movement in a direction opposed to the insertion direction, and features a connection terminal with a leaf spring to maintain the conductor in place, along with a detent system for secure mounting, allowing easy insertion and release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the connection assembly uses a traditional tenon and mortise configuration, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of insertion of electrical connectors deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection assembly is divided into separate functional components: a fixing foot for stable mounting and a withdrawable connector for easy insertion and removal. This segmentation allows the mounting structure to provide stability while the connector portion enables easy operation, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ease of insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed to be withdrawable rather than fixed, allowing it to be inserted and removed dynamically. This dynamic design maintains structural stability when connected while enabling easy insertion and removal operations, solving the contradiction between stability and ease of insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the connection assembly uses a fixed connector design, then the reliability of electrical connection is improved, but the ease of repair and reconfiguration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of electrical connectionVSAvoidease of repair
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed with withdrawable functionality that allows it to be easily removed and reinstalled. This dynamic design maintains reliable electrical connection when engaged while enabling easy repair and reconfiguration operations, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design allows for easy self-service replacement and reconfiguration without requiring complex tools or procedures. The withdrawable nature enables users to easily remove and reinstall connectors for repair or reconfiguration while maintaining reliable connections during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration enhances the ease of inserting and securing the external conductor, ensuring reliable electrical connections while allowing for compact design and efficient cooperation between the connector and fixing foot.

Implementation Method 1

the connection terminal comprises a leaf spring configured to maintain the external conductor in an inserted position in which connection terminal cooperate with said external conductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the connector cooperation area comprises a detent system including a first portion provided on the fixing foot and a second portion provided on the withdrawable connector, the detent system being configured to maintain the mounting position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3671963B1Connection assembly comprising a withdrawable connector and a fixing foot configured to cooperate with the withdrawable connector
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 TYCO ELECTRONICS FRANCE
  • EP3671963B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3671963B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A withdrawable connector (10) comprising an insulating body having a connector cooperation area (32) configured to cooperate, in a mounting position, with a fixing foot (60) configured to be fixed to a support, said insulating body extending in a first extension direction (E1) from the connector cooperation area (32). The withdrawable connector (10) also comprises a conductive bar (16) disposed in the insulating body, and a connection socket (14) arranged to cooperate with an external socket. Said connection socket being configured to electrically connect the external socket to the conductive bar (16) when the external socket cooperates with the connection socket (14). The connection socket (14) is arranged for the external socket to cooperate with said connection socket (14) by a relative movement in an insertion direction (I) transverse to the first extension direction (E1).