Electrical Connector Housing Cover with Detent Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with movable housing and cover sections attached by living hinges do not prevent the housing and/or cover section from moving into the area where crimping of contacts occurs, potentially damaging the components or interfering with the crimping process, and there is a need for a connector that allows crimping of contacts inside the housing while being a substantially complete assembly before crimping.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector housing with a base and a cover, where the cover comprises two sections connected by a pivotable connection with a detent latching system, allowing access to the crimping area and preventing interference during crimping, and a method of assembling the connector by locating the second member in an open position, crimping the contacts, and then moving it to a closed position to secure the cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cover and base are attached by living hinges to allow movement, then the connector can be pre-assembled with contacts inside the housing, but the cover section may move into the crimping area and damage components or interfere with the crimping process
Solution Approach 1:
The detent latching system applies a preliminary restraining force to the cover section, preventing it from moving into the crimping area before the crimping operation begins. The latching mechanism actively counteracts any potential movement that could cause damage or interference, ensuring the cover remains in a safe position during the crimping process.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent latching system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the movable cover section and the crimping area. It provides a controlled interface that allows the cover to be positioned safely without directly interfering with the crimping operation, mediating the interaction between the movable cover and the stationary crimping zone.
2Reliability
If the cover section is held fixed to prevent movement during crimping, then crimping reliability improves, but the connector cannot be pre-assembled with contacts inside the housing before crimping
Solution Approach 1:
The cover section transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamically controllable state. The detent latching system enables the cover to be held in specific positions (latched or unlatched) based on the manufacturing stage, allowing pre-assembly when unlatched and protecting during crimping when latched, thus combining both requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is divided into functional segments with the detent latching system providing independent control over the cover section's position. This segmentation allows different parts of the assembly process (pre-assembly vs. crimping) to have different cover position requirements met simultaneously through the same mechanical structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover is completely closed to protect internal components, then component protection improves, but access to the crimping area is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The detent latching system performs a preliminary action by positioning the cover section in a predetermined safe location before the crimping operation. This preliminary positioning protects internal components from damage while simultaneously maintaining clear access to the crimping area, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector housing including a base; and a cover. The cover is adapted to be connected to the base to capture at least one electrical connector component in the base. The cover includes a first section and a second section. The second section is movably connected to the first section by a connection. The second section is movable between an open position relative to the base and a closed position. The connection includes a detent latching system for latching the second section in the open position to allow access to a location inside the base.