Connector Assembly Snap-Fastening Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of modular connector assemblies, particularly in aerospace and military applications, is inefficient due to tedious screwing operations and hindered access to coupling screws by cables, leading to increased assembly time and difficulty in handling.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a latching mechanism featuring complementary latching elements and a snap-fastening mechanism, including a push button and coil spring, that allows for easy locking and unlocking of the plug and socket housings without complex operations, eliminating the need for central coupling screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screwing coupling is used to lock the connector assembly, then reliable mechanical connection is achieved, but assembly time increases and operation becomes tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screwing coupling mechanism with a snap-fit latching mechanism. The latching elements engage automatically when the plug and socket housings are assembled, eliminating the need for manual screwing operations while maintaining reliable mechanical connection. This substitution of mechanical systems directly resolves the contradiction by reducing assembly time without compromising connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is designed to self-engage automatically during the assembly process. When the plug housing is inserted into the socket housing, the latching elements automatically snap into place without requiring additional manual operations. This self-service characteristic eliminates the tedious screwing step while ensuring reliable locking, thereby reducing assembly time.
2Reliability
If central coupling screw is used for locking, then secure connection is achieved, but access to the screw is hindered by cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the coupling mechanism from the central location where it is obscured by cables. The latching elements are distributed around the periphery of the housing, allowing them to engage automatically without requiring access to a central screw location. This extraction of the coupling function from the obscured central area improves ease of operation while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring manual intervention to engage a central screw, the patent inverts the approach by designing latching elements that automatically engage during the insertion process. The latching action occurs naturally as the housings are assembled, reversing the traditional sequence where a screw must be manually accessed and tightened after assembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual screwing operation is required, then precise positioning is achieved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching elements are pre-positioned on the housings during manufacturing. When the plug and socket housings are assembled, the pre-positioned latching elements automatically align and engage without requiring manual positioning operations. This preliminary action during manufacturing eliminates the need for complex manual positioning during assembly, reducing operation complexity while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual screwing operation with an automatic snap-fit latching mechanism. The latching elements are designed with complementary geometries that guide them into precise engagement positions automatically during assembly. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for manual positioning operations, reducing operation complexity while ensuring precise positioning through the inherent geometry of the latching elements.
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 significantly reduces assembly time and enhances ergonomic handling by enabling simple and intuitive locking and unlocking of the connector assembly, improving efficiency and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
at least one return member return configured to urge one of the latching elements towards a position, called an engagement position
Implementation Method 2
said at least one return member is a coil spring configured to be compressed when the base polarizer presses on the latching element during assembly
Data Source
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 2b~2d
Figure 2e~3c
AI summary
The invention concerns a connector assembly (1) comprising: - a plug (3) comprising a plug housing (31) defining a cavity (33), and a plug locating means (15) arranged in the cavity (33), and - a base (5) comprising a base housing (51) configured to be assembled with the plug housing (31), the base housing (51) comprising a base locating means that is complementary to the plug locating means (15), and configured to engage with the plug locating means (15) when assembling the plug housing (31) and base housing (51). According to the invention said assembly (1) further comprises a ratchet mechanism (7) carried by the base locating means (17) and by the plug housing (31), and configured to be activated when the base locating means (17) is in a limit position in the cavity (33) of the plug housing (31).