High-Current Plug-In Connector Latching for Disconnection Force Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-current plug-in connector systems lack the ability to adjust the total disconnection force effectively, which is crucial for safety and functionality, especially when transmitting high electrical currents.
Innovation Solution
A high-current plug-in connector system that allows for adjusting the total disconnection force by replacing high-current plug-in contacts with latching pins and mating plug-in contacts with latching receptacles, ensuring the individual disconnection force is significantly higher than the plug-in force, thereby defining the total disconnection force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If latching pins and latching receptacles are added to adjust total disconnection force, then disconnection force control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the latching mechanism and the disconnection force generation into a single integrated system. The latching pins and receptacles serve dual purposes: securing the electrical contacts while simultaneously providing the controlled disconnection force through their mechanical interaction, eliminating the need for separate force-generating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching pins and receptacles are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide mechanical retention for the electrical contacts during operation and generate the controlled disconnection force during separation. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and system complexity while achieving the desired force control.
2Force
If existing connector systems are retrofitted with latching mechanisms, then disconnection force adjustment is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is divided into modular components: electrical contacts, latching pins, and latching receptacles. This segmentation allows for independent manufacturing and assembly, enabling straightforward retrofitting where latching pins can be added to existing connector housings without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching pins act as intermediary components that bridge the existing electrical contact system and the housing structure. They can be inserted into existing connector assemblies to provide the controlled disconnection force without requiring modifications to the electrical contacts themselves, simplifying the retrofitting process.
3Force
If latching pins replace electrical contacts, then disconnection force control is improved, but electrical conductivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system separates the electrical conduction function from the mechanical retention function. Electrical contacts maintain pure electrical connection responsibilities, while latching pins handle mechanical retention and force generation. This functional segmentation ensures that electrical reliability is not compromised by the addition of mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the electrical contact and latching pin into a single plug-in assembly, where both components work together in the same connector housing. This integration ensures proper alignment and simultaneous engagement of both electrical and mechanical functions, maintaining overall connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-in connector and a mating plug-in connector of a plug-in connector system includes at least one latching pin and, respectively, at least one latching receptacle. The at least one latching pin and the at least one latching receptacle can be plug-connected to each another and, in the plug-connected state, can be disconnected from each other again with the application of an individual disconnection force and are jointly configured for generating a specified amount of a total disconnection force for the plug-in connector system.