Electrical Connector Cover Prevents Premature Lock Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connector assemblies face challenges in ensuring that the locking mechanism is not actuated prematurely, which can prevent connection or damage the lock during assembly, highlighting the need for a solution that prevents accidental lock activation before proper assembly.

Innovation Solution

The electrical connector assembly features a cover that slides from an initial to a final position, masking the lock initially and allowing hand actuation only in the final position, incorporating a mate assisting system and a connection position assurance system to ensure proper assembly and locking, preventing premature lock activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lock is made accessible for hand actuation, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of premature actuation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand actuation of lockVSAvoidpremature lock actuation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is moved to the second position during the assembly process before the lock needs to be actuated. This preliminary action of repositioning the cover enables subsequent hand actuation of the lock while preventing premature actuation during the initial assembly phase, when the cover masks the lock in the first position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the cover masks the lock in the initial position, then premature actuation is prevented, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of premature lock actuationVSAvoidhand actuation of lock

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed to be movable between two positions rather than being fixed. It transitions from a first position where it masks the lock to a second position where it uncovers the lock. This dynamic repositioning allows the system to adapt its protective function based on the assembly stage, preventing premature actuation while enabling operation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the lock is protected by masking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of premature lock actuationVSAvoidcover movement mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective mask for the lock during assembly, serves as a guide for the assembly process, and functions as a switchable element that controls lock accessibility. By integrating these multiple functions into a single component, the solution achieves reliable protection without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2710684B1Electrical connector assembly, and connector for such assembly

Publication Date: 2015.12.30 DELPHI INT OPERATIONS LUXEMBOURG SARL

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AI summary

The electrical connector assembly comprises: a first connector (2) having a housing (4), a second connector (3) having a housing (10), and a cover (12) movably mounted on the housing (10), the housing (10) of the second connector being movably mounted on the housing (4) of the first connector, an actuable lock (15) movably mounted on one of the housings (4,10). In the initial position of the cover (12), the cover covers the lock (15). In the final position of the cover (12), the cover does not cover the lock (15).