Electrical Connector Latching Device Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors require additional effort to detach the insulating body from the plug contacts, necessitating disassembly of the connector housing, which is undesirable, especially for flanged connectors and those with small inner diameters, and often require modifications to produce the locking device.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector features a latching device with shell-shaped latching parts and corresponding receptacles arranged circumferentially, allowing secure detachable latching of the insulating body from the mating side without reducing the connector housing's stability, using separate latching parts and receptacles that require less space and can be easily assembled without modifications to existing insulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a snap ring is used to latch the insulating body in the housing section, then the insulating body is securely fixed, but the connector housing requires an internal circumferential annular groove that must be produced by reworking, increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The latching device is divided into multiple separate latching parts (at least two) that are distributed circumferentially in the housing section, rather than using a single continuous snap ring. This segmentation allows the latching function to be achieved without requiring a complete circumferential groove in the housing, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining secure fixing of the insulating body
Solution Approach 2:
The latching parts are extracted as separate components from the housing structure itself. Instead of integrating the snap ring into the housing as a unified component requiring reworking, the latching parts are independent elements that can be installed separately, eliminating the need for complex housing modifications
2Reliability
If a closed circumferential snap ring is used for latching, then the insulating body is securely held, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous snap ring is segmented into multiple discrete latching parts arranged circumferentially. This reduces the complexity of each individual component and simplifies assembly, as the separate parts can be installed independently rather than requiring installation of a complete circumferential ring
Solution Approach 2:
The latching function is distributed across multiple discrete points in the circumferential dimension rather than requiring a continuous structure. This dimensional distribution reduces device complexity while maintaining the overall latching functionality through the collective action of multiple simpler elements
3Ease of operation
If the insulating body is made detachable from the connection side, then tool access is improved, but the connector housing must be detached from the machine housing, increasing disassembly effort
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing tool access from the connection side (which requires housing disassembly), the latching device is designed to be accessible from the mating side. The insulating body can be unlatched by inserting a tool through the mating side opening, reversing the traditional access direction and eliminating the need to detach the connector housing
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
Enables easy and cost-effective assembly of the connector housing and locking device, allowing for secure detachment of the insulating body from the plug side using a tool, maintaining connector stability and reducing production complexity.
Implementation Method 1
which has at least one radially resiliently deflectable support element for the insulating body, which latches the insulator to the housing section and fixes it in the axial direction
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical connector 1, comprising a tubular housing section 5 in which an insulating body 3, carrying electrical plug contacts 6, is arranged and locked to the housing section 5 by means of a locking device 10 engaging in a receiving recess 12 of the housing section 5, wherein the locking device 10 has at least one resilient support element 14 for the insulating body 3 and the insulating body 3 of the housing section 5 can be released by a tool. According to the invention, the insulating body 3 can be released from the plug-in side 7 of the housing section 5 by a tool, and the locking device 10 and the receiving recess 12 are divided in the circumferential direction of the housing section 5 and have at least two separate locking parts 4 and a corresponding number of laterally spaced-apart locking part receptacles 11.