Compact Coaxial Connector Locking Mechanism Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive coaxial connectors with locking mechanisms are cumbersome, requiring multiple parts and assembly effort, and are sensitive to external influences, resulting in a large overall length and reduced robustness.
Innovation Solution
A compact coaxial connector with a locking mechanism featuring a transversely deflectable locking bracket and actuating element, integrated within a one-piece plastic housing, allowing for simplified construction and assembly, and enhanced robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the plug connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the housing length and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bracket and actuating element are integrated into a single-piece housing made of plastic through injection molding. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate locking mechanism parts, reducing the overall housing length while maintaining the locking function. The locking bracket extends in the plug-in direction and is elastically deflected by the actuating element, all within a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bracket is housed within a receiving space in the housing, with the actuating element arranged transversely next to the locking bracket. This nested arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be compactly integrated without extending the housing length significantly, as components are positioned within the available internal space rather than extending outward.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple separate parts is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the manufacturing and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The entire locking mechanism including the locking bracket, arms, rocker, and actuating element is formed as an integrated part of the one-piece housing through injection molding. This eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate locking components, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and assembly effort while maintaining the complete locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bracket with its arms and the actuating element are designed to automatically engage and disengage through elastic deflection. The rocker mechanism with bearing lugs provides self-aligning bearing surfaces that guide the locking action without requiring precise manual assembly, allowing the mechanism to serve itself during operation.
3Length of moving object
If a compact locking mechanism is designed, then the housing length is reduced, but the robustness against external influences decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker is formed by two parallel rocker arms with bearing lugs that provide curved, self-aligning bearing surfaces. This curved geometry allows the compact locking mechanism to accommodate minor misalignments and external forces without compromising the locking engagement, enhancing robustness despite the reduced housing length.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bracket and arms are designed with specific elastic properties that allow them to deflect under external influences and return to their locking position. The material selection and geometric parameters of the elastic components are optimized to maintain locking reliability in a compact configuration, enabling the mechanism to absorb external forces through controlled elastic deformation.
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
The solution provides a short, robust, and easy-to-assemble coaxial connector that meets automotive sector standards, ensuring reliable and durable connections while minimizing external influence sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a locking bracket which is housed in a receiving space in the housing and extends in the plug-in direction and can be elastically deflected transversely to the plug-in direction
Implementation Method 2
the actuating element engages with the locking bracket via a rocker in such a way that when the rocker is depressed by the actuating element on one side of the rocker, the locking bracket on the other side of the rocker is deflected elastically transverse to the plugging direction
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (10) comprising a housing (11), which extends along a longitudinal axis lying in the plug-in direction (32) and which is divided into an electric connector part (12) and a locking device (13) located next to the electric connector part (12) for the releasable locking of the connector (10) with a corresponding counterpart. The locking device (13) comprises a detent bracket (14) that is held in a receiving chamber (21) of the housing (11), that extends in the plug-in direction (32) and can be elastically deflected perpendicularly to the plug-in direction (32), said detent bracket being elastically deflected perpendicularly to the plug-in direction (32) by means of an actuating element (15) mounted on the housing (11) in order to be disengaged. A particularly simple and compact construction is achieved for a connector of this type in that the actuating element (15) lies adjacent to the detent bracket (14) perpendicularly to the plug-in direction (32) and that the length of the actuating element (15) in the plug-in direction (32) is less than or approximately equal to the length of the detent bracket (14).