Electrical Connector Mounting Assembly With Boltless Panel Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector systems require bolted connections, which are time-consuming and require hardware, necessitating a need for a boltless and reliable connection method between electrical connectors and structures.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrical connector system featuring a housing with a mating end and a mounting end, including a locking lever that secures the connector to a panel without fasteners, utilizing a pre-stage and final stage latch mechanism to ensure a secure, toolless connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bolted connections are used to mount the electrical connector to the panel, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly time increases and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes bolts and nuts from the mounting system, extracting the fastening function from separate hardware components and integrating it into the connector housing itself through latch mechanisms that engage directly with the panel
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing performs its own fastening function through integrated latch mechanisms that self-engage with the panel, eliminating the need for external fastening operations and hardware
2Reliability
If bolted connections are used to mount the electrical connector to the panel, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting function with the connector housing by integrating latch mechanisms directly into the housing structure, merging what were previously separate functions (connector body and fastening mechanism) into a single integrated component
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing serves multiple functions: it contains the electrical contacts, provides structural support, and performs the fastening operation through integrated latches, making the housing a multi-functional component that eliminates separate fastening hardware
3Reliability
If a secure mounting connection is established, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring tools and multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanisms automatically engage with the panel when the connector is inserted, performing the fastening operation without requiring manual intervention, tools, or multiple steps, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a housing having a shroud surrounding a cavity at a mating end and a base with a flange at a mounting end configured to be mounted to a mounting surface of a panel. The electrical connector includes a contact assembly received in the housing having contact configured to be mated to a mating electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a seal coupled to the flange and surrounding the base. The seal is configured to interface with the mounting surface of the panel. The electrical connector includes a locking lever coupled to the housing. The locking lever is configured to interface with the panel to secure the housing to the panel.