Blind Mounting Connector Assembly With Flexible Locking Blade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector assemblies for connection panels are typically accessible from only one face, making 'blind' mounting and dismounting difficult, especially when the opposite face is cluttered or not easily accessible.
Innovation Solution
The assembly includes a mounting member with two elements at opposite ends of the flange, a locking device with a flexible blade and connection lugs, and a flexible tongue, allowing reversible insertion and blocking of the mounting elements, enabling 'blind' assembly and disassembly from a single face by using a plurality of locking devices associated with each connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connectors are mounted on a support panel with mounting openings, then secure electrical connections are achieved, but blind mounting and dismounting from a single face becomes difficult when the opposite face is cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting member is divided into two separate elements positioned at opposite ends of the flange, allowing independent operation. The locking device is segmented into a fixed structure and a flexible blade that can be actuated independently. This segmentation enables blind mounting from one face while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible blade acts as an intermediary element between the operator and the mounting member. It transmits the actuation force from the accessible face to the mounting member on the opposite face, enabling blind operation without direct access to both sides of the panel.
2Ease of repair
If mounting members are inserted through mounting openings to secure connectors, then reliable electrical connections are maintained, but quick access and troubleshooting become difficult when the opposite face is not accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible blade is designed to automatically return to its blocking position after being actuated, providing self-locking functionality. This allows quick release and repositioning of connectors for troubleshooting while maintaining secure electrical connections during normal operation, all accessible from a single face.
3Ease of operation
If locking devices with flexible blades are used to enable blind mounting, then single-face accessibility is achieved, but the complexity of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device utilizes a flexible blade instead of a complex rigid mechanism. This flexible element can be actuated from the accessible face to release the mounting member, providing single-face accessibility while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and avoiding the need for multiple moving parts.
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
Facilitates easy 'blind' mounting and dismounting of connectors from a single face, allowing for quick access and troubleshooting, while maintaining secure electrical connections, even when the opposite face is not accessible.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible blade with respect to said structure, such that in the assembled configuration, said blade extends across the introduction portion of the opening of the support panel
Implementation Method 2
inserting the first mounting member into the insertion portion of the opening; so as to elastically deform the locking device from a rest position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connector assembly (10) comprising: a support panel (14) with an opening (26); and a connector (16) with a flange (50) and a mounting member (62); said connector being adapted to be mounted on the support panel, the mounting member being inserted into the opening. The opening comprises: an entry portion (32) allowing reversible insertion of the mounting member (62) by translation perpendicular to the support panel; and a locking portion (34) receiving and locking the mounting member (62) relative to the panel. The assembly further comprises a locking device (20, 120, 220, 320) adapted to deform elastically under the effect of a displacement of the mounting member from the entry portion to the locking portion; and to block an opposing displacement of said mounting member.