Connector Dual Locking Member for CPA Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies lack a reliable mechanism to prevent the CPA device from opening or detaching, compromising the stability and security of the connection between connectors.
Innovation Solution
A Dual Lock System (DLS) is introduced, featuring a safety locking member that slides between open and closed positions to prevent movement of the CPA device and counter-connector relative to the connector, with a pre-lock latch mechanism to ensure secure mating and prevent accidental closure or loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a CPA device is installed in the connector to ensure proper mating and positioning, then the connection reliability is improved, but the CPA device may inadvertently open or detach from the connector assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The safety locking member is divided into distinct functional segments: a CPA locking feature that engages with the CPA device, a counter-connector locking feature that engages with the counter-connector, and a pre-lock latch mechanism. This segmentation allows each feature to independently perform its specific locking function while working together as an integrated safety system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-lock latch is configured to prevent the safety locking member from moving to the closed position before the counter-connector is fully mated with the connector. This preliminary action ensures that the locking mechanism is only activated after proper mating has occurred, preventing premature or accidental locking.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a safety locking member is added to prevent CPA device opening, then the CPA device stability is improved, but the connector assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety locking member integrates multiple locking functions into a single component: it combines the CPA device locking feature, the counter-connector locking feature, and the pre-lock latch mechanism into one unified safety locking member that slides along the connector housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety locking member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it locks the CPA device to the connector, locks the counter-connector to the connector, and includes a pre-lock latch that prevents premature closing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate locking components.
3Ease of operation
If the safety locking member is allowed to move freely between open and closed positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental closure or loss of the locking member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-lock latch is positioned and configured to actively prevent the safety locking member from moving to the closed position until the counter-connector is fully mated. This preliminary anti-action counteracts any force that might accidentally close the locking mechanism before proper mating occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-lock latch acts as an intermediary mechanism between the safety locking member and the closed position. It mediates the movement of the safety locking member by blocking its path to the closed position until the appropriate conditions (full mating) are met.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A connector assembly (1) comprising a connector (2) and a counter-connector (3). The connector (2) comprises a connector housing (50), a CPA device (8) slidably mounted on the connector housing (50) between an initial position and a final position. The connector further comprises a safety locking member (10) which is slidably mounted on the connector (2) between an open position in which the safety locking member (10) is attached to the connector (2) and in which the safety locking member (10) leaves both the CPA device and the counter-connector (3) free to be moved with respect to the connector (2) and a closed position in which the safety locking member (10) prevents a movement of both the CPA device (5) and the counter-connector (3) with respect to the connector (2).