Connector Latch Arm Nesting Inside Housing Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exposed latch arms in connector assemblies often catch or snag on obstructions when pulled through structures, leading to damage and increased installation difficulty, and can inadvertently be prised from the latched to the unlatched position.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly design where the latch arm of the plug connector is received entirely within the interior cavity of the receptacle connector housing, with a latch member engaged with the latch element, and a release tab mechanism allows the latch arm to pivot between latched and unlatched positions without external exposure, reducing the risk of snagging and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latch arm is exposed on the exterior surface of the connector housing, then the latch can be easily actuated and observed, but the latch arm may catch or snag on obstructions during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The latch arm is received within a recess in the connector housing, nesting the latch mechanism inside the housing structure. This allows the latch to remain functional while preventing external obstructions from contacting and snagging on the latch arm during installation through the bulkhead.
2Ease of operation
If the latch arm is exposed on the exterior surface, then the latch mechanism is accessible for operation, but the latch may be inadvertently pried from the latched position
Solution Approach 1:
The latch arm is received within a recess in the connector housing, nesting the latch mechanism inside the housing structure. This allows the latch to remain functional while preventing external obstructions from contacting and snagging on the latch arm during installation through the bulkhead.
3Length of moving object
If the latch arm extends outward from the connector housing, then the latch element can engage with the other connector, but the latch arm may catch on cables or wires during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The latch arm is received within a recess in the connector housing, nesting the latch mechanism inside the housing structure. This allows the latch to remain functional while preventing external obstructions from contacting and snagging on the latch arm during installation through the bulkhead.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector assembly (10) includes a receptacle connector (14) including a receptacle connector housing (30) having an interior cavity. The receptacle connector (14) includes a latch element extending within the interior cavity of the receptacle housing (30). The receptacle housing (30) holds a receptacle connector contact. The connector assembly (10) also includes a plug connector (12) having a plug connector housing (18) engaged with the receptacle connector housing (30). The plug connector housing (18) holds a plug connector contact. The plug connector contact is engaged with the receptacle connector contact. The plug connector (12) includes a latch arm (42) extending outwardly from the plug connector housing (18). The latch arm (42) includes a latch member received within the interior cavity of the receptacle connector housing (30). The latch member is engaged with the latch element of the receptacle connector (14) entirely within the interior cavity of the receptacle connector housing (30).