Zero-Force Plug Connector Bolt Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zero-force plug connectors lack a guaranteed mechanical and electrical connection between housing and unit connection, with independent mechanical processes for clamping sleeves and latching mechanisms, leading to potential misalignment and inadequate sealing.
Innovation Solution
A bolt is introduced that locks the latching connection and is mechanically coupled with the clamping sleeves, ensuring simultaneous movement and alignment, with the bolt's sliding position visible externally, and a recess in the sealing element allows the bolt to slide while maintaining the seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the clamping sleeves and latching mechanism operate independently, then the assembly process is simpler, but the mechanical and electrical connection reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clamping sleeve actuation and latching mechanism into a single integrated operation. The bolt serves as a common actuating element that simultaneously triggers both the clamping sleeves to close on the contact pins and the latching mechanism to lock the housing parts together, ensuring that mechanical connection and electrical contact are established together, thus eliminating the risk of misalignment while maintaining assembly simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sealing element is removed to allow bolt movement, then the assembly process is easier, but the sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed with dynamic characteristics, featuring a recess that allows the bolt to move through it during the assembly process. The sealing element transitions from a static barrier to a dynamic component that accommodates bolt movement while maintaining sealing functionality. The recess in the sealing element guides the bolt and allows it to pass through without compromising the seal, enabling both easy assembly and effective sealing.
3Shape
If the bolt is hidden inside the housing, then the appearance is cleaner, but the assembly status is not visible to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary indicator element that translates the internal bolt position into an externally visible signal. The indicator is mechanically linked to the bolt, so when the bolt moves to its final position during assembly, it actuates the indicator to display the assembled state. This intermediary mechanism allows the bolt to remain largely hidden while providing clear visual feedback to the user about the assembly status.
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
Ensures complete mechanical and electrical connection between connector parts with clear assembly guidance, preventing misalignment and maintaining seal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient latching hook which, after the socket housing and unit connection have been assembled, latches with a latching lug on the unit connection
Implementation Method 2
the clamping sleeves press the contact lamellae onto the plug pins of the unit connection
Implementation Method 3
the socket housing having a sealing element which after assembly of socket housing and unit connection rests against the inner wall of the unit connection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~7b
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention describes an electrical zero-force plug connector having a plug sleeve housing, which has receptacles for a plurality of sleeve contacts, having an assembly connection, which has plug pins which make contact with the sleeve contacts, wherein the sleeve contacts each have a main body, which forms contact laminations, and a clamping sleeve, which can be moved in relation to the main body, wherein, when the clamping sleeves move in relation to the main body, the clamping sleeves press the contact laminations against the plug pins of the assembly connection, wherein the plug sleeve housing has a spring-action latching hook which, after the plug sleeve housing and assembly housing are joined, latches with a latching lug of the assembly connection, wherein the plug sleeve housing has a sealing element which, after the plug sleeve housing and assembly housing are joined, bears against the inner wall of the assembly connection, wherein a bolt is arranged on the plug sleeve housing, it being possible, after the plug sleeve connection and assembly connection are joined, for said bolt to move in relation to the plug sleeve housing and said bolt, after the movement, locking the latching connection between the latching hook and latching lug, and wherein the bolt is connected to a slide, which is guided through at least one recess in the sealing element and is coupled to the clamping sleeves, and also moves the slide when it moves.