Connector Assembly Position Assurance Lock Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies often have unreliable connection status due to improper mating of housings, which can lead to susceptibility to movement caused by vibrations, making it difficult for operators to determine if the connector is properly secured.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a position assurance lock and a machine-readable identifier that switches between accessible and inaccessible states based on the secure connection status, ensuring that the housings are fully mated and providing a visual or electronic indication of the connection status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lever is used to mate the housings, then the connector assembly can be connected, but the connection status cannot be reliably determined
Solution Approach 1:
A position assurance lock is introduced as an intermediary component between the lever and the housings. This lock includes a machine-readable identifier that serves as a mediator to communicate the connection status to operators or detection systems, resolving the difficulty of detecting whether the lever is properly positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical indication system (relying on operator visual inspection of lever position) is replaced with a machine-readable identifier system. This substitution allows for reliable automated detection of connection status, transforming the detection method from mechanical/visual to electronic/optical reading.
2Reliability
If the lever is not pushed through the entire range of motion, then the connector assembly may be improperly mated, but this is not apparent to the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The machine-readable identifier provides immediate feedback about the connection status. When the lever is not properly positioned, the identifier reflects this incorrect state, giving operators or detection systems real-time information about whether proper mating has occurred, eliminating the information loss about connection status.
Solution Approach 2:
The position assurance lock acts as an intermediary that translates the physical position of the lever into a readable status indicator. This mediator ensures that the connection status information is not lost but is instead clearly communicated through the machine-readable identifier.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the connector assembly is susceptible to movement from vibration, then the connection becomes unreliable, but there is no indication of the vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The machine-readable identifier provides continuous feedback about the stability and connection status of the connector assembly. If vibration or other forces cause the lever to move from its proper position, the identifier immediately reflects this change in status, alerting operators or detection systems to the instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive mechanical connection is enhanced with an active information system. The machine-readable identifier substitutes for the lack of visual or tactile indicators, providing reliable information about connection status that is not dependent on operator interpretation of mechanical positions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
A connector assembly (100) comprises a first housing (120), a second housing (130), a machine readable identifier coupled to the second housing (130), and a position assurance lock (150) disposed proximate to the second housing (130). The position assurance lock (150) is configured to secure the first housing (120) to the second housing (130) and place the machine readable identifier in a first state or a second state, depending on whether the first housing (120) is secured to the second housing (130).