Electrical Connector Housing Latching to Prevent Plugging Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors are prone to shifting during plugging due to external forces, compromising their mechanical stability and connection integrity.
Innovation Solution
A connector unit design featuring a first and a further housing with latching structures and a mounting element, where the housings are fixedly connected via the mounting element and latching structures, preventing axial shifting and enhancing stability through complementary latching and mounting mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a locking structure is provided between two neighboring housing parts, then mechanical connection is improved, but housing shift in plug direction cannot be prevented under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple independent housings (first housing, second housing, third housing) that are connected in series. Each housing can be independently connected to adjacent housings through latching structures, distributing mechanical stresses and preventing single-point failure that would cause overall housing shift.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple latching structures are combined within a single housing assembly. The first housing includes both a first latching structure for connecting to the second housing and a second latching structure for connecting to the third housing, creating a integrated multi-connection system that enhances overall stability.
2Productivity
If multiple housings are connected in parallel to establish several connections, then connection efficiency is improved, but mechanical stability under external forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector arrangement transitions from a single linear connection to a multi-dimensional parallel configuration. Multiple housings are arranged side-by-side and connected to the same cable assembly, creating a planar distribution that spreads external forces across multiple connection points rather than concentrating them at a single location.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple latching connection is used between housings, then assembly ease is improved, but resistance to external forces during plugging deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different latching structures are applied at different locations and orientations on the same housing. The first latching structure and second latching structure have different geometries and engagement mechanisms, allowing each to optimize for specific directional forces while maintaining overall assembly simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector unit having a first housing with a sidewall encompassing an interior space in which at least one electrical contact element is arranged, at least one further housing having a sidewall encompassing an interior space in which at least one electrical contact element is arranged, and a mounting element having openings. The housings have a mounting section via which mounting sections the first housing and the further housing are fixedly connected to the mounting element such that the first housing is allocated to a first opening and the further housing is allocated to a further opening. The housings have on the outside of the sidewall a latching structure The latching structure of the first housing is adapted to be latched in with the latching structure of the further housing in order to establish a mechanical connection between two housings.