Connector Latch Retainer Prevents Accidental Unlatching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems are prone to accidental unlatching due to vibrations, shocks, temperature changes, and cable pulling forces, causing latches to pivot open and disconnect from strikes, leading to unintended disengagement.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, retrofittable plastic retainer with locking arms and pins is mounted on the first connector, featuring a short sleeve and blocking portions that prevent accidental latch disengagement, held in place by locking arms with slots and constrictions that require a significant force to move, ensuring the latches remain engaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple and low cost retainer is added to prevent accidental unlatching, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer acts as an intermediary component between the latches and the connector housing. It includes blocking portions that can be positioned to prevent latch movement, and locking arms with slots that receive pins to secure the retainer in place. This intermediary device provides the necessary reliability enhancement without requiring fundamental changes to the existing connector architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is divided into functional segments: a body portion with blocking portions, locking arms with slots, and a sleeve portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall simplicity and retrofittability to existing connectors.
2Reliability
If locking arms with constrictions are used to hold the retainer in position, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arms incorporate slots with constrictions that dynamically interact with the pins. During normal operation, the constrictions engage the pins to prevent accidental movement. When intentional force is applied, the slots allow the pins to pass through, enabling the retainer to be moved from blocking to non-blocking position. This dynamic design provides both security and operational flexibility.
3Reliability
If blocking portions are positioned under the latches to prevent movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking portions are merged with the retainer body as an integrated structure rather than separate components. The locking arms are also integrated into the retainer body, forming a unified device that provides both blocking and locking functions. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the necessary reliability functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector system wherein a first connector (12) has a pair of latches (34, 36) that can be depressed to release them from a pair of strikes (30, 32) of a mating second connector (14). A retainer (60) is provided that prevents accidental release of the latches. The retainer has blocking parts (70) that move under the latches when the retainer is slid to a forward blocking position. The first connector has a pair of radially-projecting pins (84) at its laterally opposite sides, and the retainer has a pair of forwardly-projecting arms (80, 82) with slots (90) that each receives one of the pins. Each slot has a constriction (104) that resists sliding of the retainer away from its forward or rearward position.