Connector Device With Integrated CPA And Elastic Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector devices face issues with unintentional unlocking due to exposed locking parts, increasing the number of work processes and vulnerability to carelessness during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A connector device design featuring a locking arm that is elastically deformable, a CPA device with an accommodating part and a bridge part that wraps the elastic arm, preventing unintentional manipulation by requiring intentional action to unlock, and a terminal fastening part with a locker body and catching jaw to secure the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking part is exposed at the upper end of the connector housing for separate fastening, then the connector can be assembled, but the locked state is unintentionally unlocked due to carelessness and the number of work processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the CPA device with the connector housing by integrating the locking part into the housing structure itself, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations. The CPA device is positioned within the housing and the locking part is formed as an integral part of the housing, so that fastening the connector housing automatically fastens the CPA device, reducing the number of work processes and preventing unintentional unlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The CPA device is nested within the connector housing, with the locking part positioned inside the housing rather than exposed externally. This nesting arrangement allows the CPA device to be protected by the housing structure, preventing accidental manipulation while maintaining the locking function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the CPA is placed in an initial position to allow primary latch and striker to move, then the connector can be coupled, but the locking part is exposed and vulnerable to unintentional unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking part is nested within the connector housing, positioned in a recess or cavity that protects it from external accidental contact. The housing structure acts as a protective barrier, allowing the locking part to perform its function while being shielded from unintentional manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking part is repositioned from an external exposed location to an internal location within the housing, changing its spatial dimension from external to internal. This dimensional change moves the locking part into a protected space that is not accessible from the outside, preventing accidental unlocking while maintaining coupling functionality.
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
Simplifies assembly work by ensuring the locked state is maintained through intentional manipulation, reducing the risk of unintentional unlocking and streamlining the process by aligning the work direction of the main connector and CPA device.
Implementation Method 1
including an elastic arm caught by the locking arm and flexural deformed together with the locking arm when the main connector is inserted into the accommodating part
Implementation Method 2
a main connector including a locking arm which is elastically flexural deformable, and maintaining a coupled state with the counterpart connector as the counterpart connector is inserted thereinto and the locking arm is caught by the locking protrusion
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a connector device capable of simplifying an assembly work for a counterpart connector. In particular, the present disclosure provides a connector device where a work direction of a main connector and a work direction of a connector position assurance (CPA) device are the same as each other. Further, the present disclosure provides a connector device that prevents unintentional unlocking due to carelessness with a bridge part formed on the CPA device wrapping an elastic arm that determines a locked state.