Lever-Assisted Connector Latch for High Retention Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors with lever and slide mating assist mechanisms fail to provide sufficient retention force when the mechanical advantage of the lever exerts forces greater than 15 N on the retention features.

Innovation Solution

A connector assembly with a first and second latching feature that cooperate to maintain the slide assist member in a pre-staged location, utilizing a lever to move the slide assist member from a pre-staged to a staged location, and a cam slot mechanism to draw the connectors together, with a flexible latching arm and rigid latch configuration to withstand higher forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If existing retention features are used to secure the slides in a pre-staged position, then the connector can maintain the slide assist member, but the retention force is insufficient when forces greater than 15 N are applied by the lever

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention forceVSAvoidsecure engagement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the retention features, specifically designing the first retention feature with a curved surface and the second retention feature with a complementary shape that provides mechanical interlocking. This geometric parameter change enables the retention features to withstand forces greater than 15 N applied by the lever, resolving the contradiction between retention force and secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure where the first retention feature is formed as an integral part of the connector housing (rigid material) and the second retention feature is formed as an integral part of the slide assist member (flexible material). This composite approach combines the strength of rigid housing with the flexibility of the slide assist member, enabling the assembly to withstand high forces while maintaining secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If the mechanical advantage of the lever is increased to improve mating assistance, then the lever can more easily move the slide assist member, but the forces exerted on the retention features exceed 15 N

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemating assistanceVSAvoidforce on retention features

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the retention features with enhanced geometric parameters and material properties beforehand to cushion and absorb the increased forces generated by the high mechanical advantage lever. The curved surface of the first retention feature and the complementary shape of the second retention feature are pre-configured to distribute and withstand forces exceeding 15 N, preventing failure when the lever is operated with high mechanical advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If a single retention feature is used to secure the slide assist member, then the structure is simpler, but the retention force is insufficient to withstand high forces from the lever

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention structureVSAvoidretention force

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the retention function into two distinct retention features: a first retention feature formed as an integral part of the connector housing and a second retention feature formed as an integral part of the slide assist member. This segmentation divides the retention function into complementary components that work together, with the first retention feature providing a curved surface and the second retention feature providing a matching shape, thereby achieving sufficient retention force to withstand high forces while maintaining relatively simple structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enhances the retention force, allowing the connector to withstand higher applied forces and maintain secure engagement between connectors.

Implementation Method 1

the mechanical advantage of the lever is high and exerts forces greater than 15 N on the retention features

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

a slide assist member slidably connected to the connector housing and having a cam slot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS20250316928A1Connector having retention feature for lever and slide mating assist mechanism

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG

AI summary

A connector assembly may include a first connector having a connector housing. An assembly may include a slide assist member slidably connected to the connector housing and having a cam slot. An assembly may include a lever pivotably connected to the connector housing and the slide assist member configured to move the slide assist member relative to the connector housing from a pre-staged location to a staged location. An assembly may include a first latching feature and a second latching feature that cooperate to maintain the slide assist member in the pre-staged location. A connector system and a method of assembling a connector system is also provided.