Electrical Connector Integrated Securing Member for CPA
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors in vehicles require separate securing members for Connection Position Assurance (CPA), leading to complex structures, increased storage costs, and potential improper mounting, which compromises the connection's tightness and vibration resistance.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design where the securing member is integrated and adjustable within the housing, allowing it to temporarily block displacement until the connector reaches a fully inserted position, ensuring proper locking and preventing accidental release, thus eliminating the need for separate storage and enhancing safety against loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate securing members are used for CPA, then the connection can be secured against accidental release, but the structure becomes more complex and storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The securing member is integrated directly into the housing of the electrical connector, merging two previously separate components (connector and securing member) into one unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate storage and handling of securing members while maintaining the CPA function.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing of the electrical connector serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the electrical contacts, and integrates the securing member for CPA. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If separate securing members are used for CPA, then the connection can be secured, but storage and handling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the securing member into the housing, the patent eliminates the need for separate storage of securing members. The securing member is always available within the housing structure, reducing logistical requirements and handling costs.
3Reliability
If the securing member is fixed in position, then the latch is securely supported, but the connector cannot recognize the fully inserted state
Solution Approach 1:
The securing member is designed to be dynamically adjustable along the insertion direction rather than being fixed. It can be positioned at different locations depending on the insertion state, allowing it to both support the latch when needed and detect the fully inserted state through its adjustable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable securing member provides feedback about the insertion state by changing its position. When the connector is fully inserted, the securing member can be adjusted to a specific position that indicates this state, enabling detection and recognition of the fully inserted condition.
4Ease of manufacture
If manual insertion is used, then the connector can be assembled, but improper mounting may occur compromising tightness and vibration resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable securing member provides tactile and positional feedback during the assembly process, guiding the operator to achieve proper insertion. This feedback mechanism helps ensure correct mounting while maintaining the simplicity of manual assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing member's adjustability allows it to self-adjust to the correct position based on the insertion depth, reducing reliance on operator skill and experience. This self-service capability ensures consistent, proper mounting even with manual assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a housing, a latch arranged relative to the housing in a first direction, and a securing member arranged between the housing and the latch. The latch includes an engagement element configured to be movable in the first direction when not blocked. The securing member includes a supporting surface and a counter-engagement element. The supporting surface is configured to support the latch in the first direction. The engagement and counter-engagement elements are configured such that when the engagement and counter-engagement elements are engaged with each other, a displacement of the securing element in and against a second direction relative to the housing is constrained, and when the engagement and counter-engagement elements are disengaged from each other, the securing element is adjustable relative to the housing along the second direction.