Plug Connector Housing Assembly for Secure Contact Unit Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connection devices with connector housings often experience loose or incorrectly positioned contact units, leading to transmission problems or failure, particularly in heavily loaded applications, necessitating a more reliable securing mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A housing assembly for a plug connector featuring a contact housing with a securing element that includes a chock section and a lock section, providing dual securing functions: the chock section blocks the latching element's movement, while the lock section forms a form-fit connection with the contact unit, ensuring secure positioning and preventing incorrect installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single latching element is used to secure the contact unit, then the device structure remains simple, but the contact unit may become loose or incorrect during installation or operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two securing functions (blocking latching element movement and direct contact unit securing) into a single integrated securing element. This merging provides redundant security against contact unit displacement while avoiding the need for entirely separate additional components, thus improving reliability with moderate complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a blocker for the latching element and a direct securer of the contact unit through its lock section. This multi-functionality addresses the reliability concern by providing dual securing mechanisms within a single component
2Ease of operation
If the latching element has high flexibility for latching, then the latching operation is easier, but the flexural rigidity is compromised making it less effective at preventing displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the securing function from the latching function by introducing a separate securing element that works in conjunction with the latching element. The latching element can remain flexible for easy operation, while the rigid securing element provides the necessary structural support and displacement prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element acts as an intermediary between the flexible latching element and the contact unit. It receives the latching element's blocking action and translates it into effective displacement prevention, allowing the latching element to maintain its flexibility while achieving the desired securing effect
Data Source
AI summary
A housing assembly for a plug connector includes a contact housing and a securing element, wherein the contact housing includes a contact chamber for receiving a contact unit of the plug connector, a latching element movable between a latching position and a release position, which, in the latching position, protrudes at least sectionally into the contact chamber, and a securing receptacle leading at least sectionally into the contact chamber, which is configured to receive the securing element at least partly, wherein the securing element includes a chock section and a lock section, wherein, when the securing element is completely received in the securing receptacle, a movement of the latching element from the latching position in a direction away from the contact chamber is blocked by the chock section and the lock section protrudes at least partly from the securing receptacle into the contact chamber.