Connector Backshell Assembly Environmental Sealing Latch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional D-sub connector backshells are not suitable for environmentally sealing connectors in harsh, corrosive environments like aerospace applications, leading to potential damage from saltwater and corrosion, and lack reliable mating mechanisms that provide mechanical advantage and verification of proper connection.
Innovation Solution
A connector backshell assembly with a module hood, harness hood, and latch assembly that securely seals and strains the wire harness, providing environmental sealing and mechanical advantage through a latch mechanism, allowing for easy assembly and integration in dynamic environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional D-sub connector backshells are used, then the connector can be assembled, but environmental sealing against saltwater and corrosion is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The backshell is divided into two separate hood components: a module hood that interfaces with the connector housing and a harness hood that encloses the wire harness. These segments can be assembled separately and then joined together, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function while achieving comprehensive environmental sealing when combined.
Solution Approach 2:
The harness hood is nested within the module hood structure, with the wire harness extending from the second connector being housed within the harness hood. This nested arrangement allows the smaller harness enclosure to be integrated within the larger module housing, creating a layered sealing system that protects different portions of the connector assembly.
2Reliability
If a latch assembly is added to provide reliable mating and mechanical advantage, then connection reliability improves, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly incorporates audible and tactile feedback mechanisms that provide immediate confirmation when the module hood and harness hood are properly mated. This feedback system allows operators to verify correct assembly without requiring complex measurement tools or inspection procedures, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability.
3Strength
If the backshell is designed to provide strain relief for the wire harness, then connector durability improves, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief function is integrated into the harness hood segment rather than requiring a separate strain relief mechanism. The harness hood is designed with features that naturally provide strain relief for the wire harness while maintaining ease of assembly, as the hood structure itself serves the dual purpose of enclosure and mechanical protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector backshell assembly includes a module hood sealable against a connection port having a first connector, a harness hood configured to house a second connector mateable with the first connector, a backshell configured to provide strain relief to a wire harness extending from the second connector and securable on the harness hood after the second connector is housed within the harness hood, and a latch assembly having a latch handle moveable from a first position into a second position to move the harness hood into sealing engagement with the module hood.