Electrical Connector Automatic Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implement bus breakaway connectors (IBBCs) lack automatic latching and locking features, which can lead to accidental disconnection of electrical connections between a tractor and an implement, potentially causing damage or interference with reliable data transmission.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a housing body with a hinge support, a spring-biased lid, and a slider mechanism that automatically locks and unlocks, ensuring secure engagement and disengagement of the mating member without manual intervention, utilizing a snap-fit system and a rotatable arm for reliable connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional implement bus breakaway connector is used, then the connector supports basic electrical connections and data bus transmission, but it lacks automatic latching and locking features which can lead to accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated connector assembly: the housing body, lid, spring mechanism, and slider are merged into one unit that simultaneously provides electrical connection, automatic latching, and locking capabilities. This resolves the contradiction by achieving high reliability through functional integration rather than adding separate complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs self-latching and self-locking mechanisms where the spring automatically engages the lid with the housing body, and the slider automatically locks the assembly in the closed position. This self-service functionality eliminates the need for manual intervention or additional control systems, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If manual intervention is required to open or close the connector lid, then the structure can be simpler, but accidental disconnection may occur and data transmission reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides automatic latching that engages the lid with the housing body without manual intervention, while the slider provides automatic locking in the closed position. This self-service mechanism ensures data transmission reliability by preventing accidental disconnection, while still allowing easy manual operation when needed through the slider.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a static manual-latch design to a dynamic system where the spring and slider automatically adjust to engage and lock the connection. The slider can be manually moved to unlock, providing dynamic control that balances reliability with ease of operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the connector lacks a locking mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the connector may disconnect under vibration or stress affecting electrical connection stability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the basic connector structure through the slider that moves along the curved wall portion. This integrated approach provides stable electrical connection under vibration and stress without adding a separate complex locking device, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider automatically locks the connector in the closed position through its interaction with the curved wall portion and detent features. This self-locking capability ensures connection stability under vibration and stress without requiring an externally controlled locking system, maintaining simplicity while improving stability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the lid is always kept open for access, then operation is easier, but electrical components are exposed to damage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically closes and latches the lid to protect electrical components from contamination and damage. The slider provides automatic locking in the closed position, creating a self-protecting system that keeps components sealed without requiring constant manual attention, while still allowing easy access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid transitions from a static open or closed state to a dynamic system where the spring automatically returns it to the closed protective position. The slider enables dynamic control, allowing the lid to be opened for access and then automatically locked back in the protective closed position, balancing protection with ease of operation.
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 provides a robust, automatic latching mechanism that prevents accidental disconnection, protects electrical components from damage and contamination, and supports high-speed data connections while ensuring reliable electrical and mechanical connections between a tractor and an implement.
Implementation Method 1
A spring or resilient member is configured to bias the lid in a closed state against an electrical socket
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector comprises a housing body with a peripheral region and a central region. A hinge support protrudes from the housing body. A curved wall portion extends outward from the central region. A lid has a hollow portion arranged for rotation with respect to the hinge support. A spring or resilient member is configured to bias the lid in a closed state against an electrical socket with one or more electrically conductive terminals in an interior of the electrical socket. A slider is arranged to slide radially along the curved wall portion between an open position and a closed position, where the closed position holds the lid in the closed state and where the open position allows the lid to be rotationally raised or flipped upward.