Connector Latch Safety Reset During Plug Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems require manual resetting of the latch safety mechanism to prevent accidental unlocking, which can lead to damage due to incorrect operation.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a pushing part on the first housing that contacts and moves the latch safety from a safety position to a pre-locking position, allowing the first housing to be inserted into the second housing without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latch safety mechanism is set to prevent accidental unlocking, then the reliability of the connector is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because manual resetting is required before insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The latch safety mechanism is pre-positioned in the blocking state during manufacturing. Before insertion, the pushing part automatically moves the latch safety from the blocking position to the non-blocking position, preparing the system in advance for smooth mating operation without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The pushing part integrated on the first housing automatically performs the latch safety resetting function during the insertion process itself. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to automatically transition the latch safety from blocking to non-blocking state, eliminating the need for separate manual resetting operations.
2Reliability
If the latch safety mechanism blocks the elastic latch, then accidental unlocking is prevented, but damage risk increases due to collision between components during wrong operation
Solution Approach 1:
The pushing part is designed to automatically move the latch safety from the blocking position to the non-blocking position before the elastic latch and latch safety come into contact. This preliminary action prevents collision damage by ensuring the latch safety is out of the way before insertion completes.
Solution Approach 2:
The pushing part acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the insertion motion and the latch safety position. It translates the axial insertion force into circumferential motion of the latch safety, ensuring smooth transition without collision.
3Ease of operation
If manual resetting of latch safety is required, then operational control is improved, but productivity decreases due to additional manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the latch safety resetting function automatically during the insertion process. The pushing part utilizes the insertion motion itself to move the latch safety from blocking to non-blocking state, eliminating separate manual steps and improving productivity while maintaining operational control through the designed insertion motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch safety resetting function is merged with the insertion operation. The same motion that performs insertion also automatically resets the latch safety, combining two previously separate operations into one unified action, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing control.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a connector and a connector assembly. The connector assembly has a first connector having a first housing and a second connector adapted to mate with the first connector and comprising a second housing. The first housing is adapted to be partially inserted into the second housing along an axial direction of the second housing, and an elastic latch for locking the second housing is formed on the first housing; a latch safety is installed on the second housing and movable along a circumferential direction of the second housing between a safety position to prevent the elastic latch from being unlocked and a pre-locking position to allow the elastic latch to be unlocked, a pushing part is formed on the first housing and adapted to push the latch safety to the pre-locking position at which the first housing is allowed to be inserted into the second housing. Therefore, in the present invention, before mating the first connector and the second connector, the operator does not need to check whether the latch safety has been reset to the pre-locking position. Thus, the mating operation of the first and second connectors is very simple and safe.