Connector Housing Latch Cover for Tool-Only Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connection assemblies in high-voltage applications are prone to accidental disconnection due to vibrations or external influences, leading to material damage and physical injury, necessitating improved safety and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A housing with a latching element and a push-button section that can be operated using a tool tip, covered by a cover element to prevent accidental operation, and an access channel for controlled tool access, ensuring the latching engagement is released only under controlled conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the push-button section is made accessible for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental operation and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A tool tip is introduced as an intermediary between the operator and the push-button section. The access channel is designed to accommodate specific tool tips, which must be inserted to operate the push-button. This intermediary mechanism ensures that only deliberate actions with the appropriate tool can release the latching engagement, preventing accidental operation while maintaining ease of operation when the correct tool is used.
2Reliability
If the cover element completely seals the push-button section, then the safety is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element is segmented with an access channel that provides controlled access to the push-button section. Rather than completely sealing the push-button, the cover is divided to create a specific opening that accommodates tool tips. This segmentation maintains safety by limiting access to authorized tools while preserving ease of operation for those tools through the defined access path.
3Ease of operation
If the access channel is made larger for easier tool insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the protective function of the cover element deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The access channel provides localized quality to the cover element by creating a specific region with different properties (openings) while the rest of the cover maintains its protective sealing function. The access channel is precisely sized and shaped to accommodate tool tips, providing ease of operation locally where needed, while the surrounding covered areas maintain protection against accidental operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A housing (1) for a connector (2) that can be plugged together with a mating connector (5) along a plugging direction (7) comprises a latching element (24) that is configured to be movable between a release position (30) and a latched position (28) for a releasable latching engagement (26) with the mating connector (5), and that comprises a push-button section (32) that can be operated in a triggering direction (34), upon the operation of which the latching engagement (26) is released, as well as a cover element (40) that covers the push-button section (32) at least partly in the triggering direction (34), wherein an access channel (42) that is accessible from outside the housing (1) for inserting a tool tip (44) extends between the push-button section (32) and the cover element (40). For increased safety and reliability, the accessibility of the push-button section (32) is restricted by the cover element (40). The tool tip (44) can be inserted into the access channel (42), but not any fingers. This allows the push-button section (32) to be operated only under controlled conditions. The invention further relates to a connector (2) with such a housing (1) as well as to a connection assembly (4) comprising a connector (2) and a mating connector (5).