Connector Assembly Blocking Mechanism for Mating Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical and optical connectors with front grids do not adequately prevent improper mating when the front grids are in a pre-lock position, leading to potential mis-connections due to untrained personnel forcing the connectors together.
Innovation Solution
A movable front grid system on each connector, along a longitudinal path, with a blocking mechanism that prevents mating unless both front grids are in their final lock position, ensuring correct wiring and connection compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a front grid is provided on the connector to indicate correct wiring, then the indicative function is improved, but improper forceful mating is still possible leading to mis-connections
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism applies a preliminary counter-action by preventing the mating operation itself when the front grid is not in the locked position. The blocking protrusion on the first connector interacts with the blocking recess on the second connector to create a mechanical barrier that stops improper mating before it can occur, rather than merely indicating the incorrect state.
Solution Approach 2:
The front grid must first be properly locked into place (preliminary action) before the connectors can be mated. The locking mechanism ensures that the front grid is in the correct position before allowing the mating operation to proceed, thereby preventing mis-connections.
2Reliability
If the front grid is made movable from pre-lock to final lock position, then the blocking mechanism effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The front grid locking mechanism is merged with the connector mating mechanism. The same mechanical interaction that locks the front grid (protrusion and recess engagement) also serves as the blocking mechanism for preventing improper mating. This integration reduces overall system complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The front grid automatically indicates the wiring status through its position (locked or unlocked) without requiring additional indicators or complex signaling systems. The mechanical state of the front grid itself serves as the indicator, and the blocking mechanism uses this same state to prevent improper mating.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrical connector assembly (1) comprising a first connector (2) and a second connector (3) adapted to mate with each other along a longitudinal direction (X), whereinthe first connector (2) and the second connector(3) each comprise a housing (22, 32), adapted to receive wires and terminals, and a front grid (4, 5), said housing (22, 32) having a plugging face (21, 31), whereinthe front grid (4, 5) is mounted onto the plugging face (21, 31) of the respective housing of the respective connector (2, 3), whereinthe front grid (4, 5) is movable with respect to the respective housing (22, 32), along a moving path, from a pre-lock position to a lock position, along the longitudinal direction (X), and wherein the electrical connector assembly (1) comprises a blocking mechanism that prevents the first connector (2) and the second connector (3) from mating with each other when either one of the front grids (4, 5) is not in its final position.