Connector Position Assurance with Side-Deflecting Locking Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector systems require significant space for the deflection of locking arms, limiting their compactness and ease of assembly, particularly in applications where reduced dimensions and secure mating are crucial.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector system incorporates deflectable locking arms that move sideways, reducing the height requirement and overall dimensions, with a CPA device configured to ensure secure mating and locking only when correctly coupled, utilizing a guide portion and deflectable cover to facilitate operation and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking arm is deflected to move the CPA device from open to closed position, then the connector position assurance function is achieved, but the required height clearance increases the overall dimensions of the connector system
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is configured to deflect laterally (sideways) rather than vertically, changing the dimension of deflection from the height direction to the lateral direction. This allows the CPA device to move from open to closed position without requiring significant height clearance, thereby reducing the overall height of the connector system while maintaining the position assurance function
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional design where the locking arm deflects upward requiring height clearance, this invention inverts the deflection direction to lateral movement. The locking element moves sideways to engage or disengage from the blocking nose, achieving the same CPA function with reduced height requirements
2Reliability
If the locking arm is made deflectable to enable CPA device movement, then the connector can be securely locked, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: a deflectable locking arm with a locking element, a blocking nose on the connector housing, and a guide portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining secure locking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm serves as an intermediary element between the CPA device and the connector housing. It mediates the interaction by deflecting laterally to either block or permit movement of the CPA device, providing secure locking without requiring complex mechanisms
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 allows for a more compact electrical connector system that ensures secure mating and locking while reducing the operational space needed for deflection, enhancing assembly ease and security.
Implementation Method 1
The CPA device (10) has two locking arms (11A, 11B) extending along a mating direction of the connector housing (20) and configured to be deflectable away from each other from a rest position to a deflected position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an electrical connector system. The system comprises a connector housing and a connector position assurance, CPA, device adapted to be movable along the connector housing between a closed position and an open position. The CPA device has two locking arms being configured to be deflectable from a rest position to a deflected position. The disclosure further relates to a connector housing having a deflectable cover portion covering a locking zone of the connector housing, which is adapted for locking the connector housing to a corresponding counter connector.