Connector Housing Lever Lockout for Correct Mating Sequence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector housing assemblies with pivotable levers risk premature rotation when the mating connector is not yet in the correct position, leading to potential incorrect operation.
Innovation Solution
A connector housing assembly design where the lever is first displaceable to a rotation start position before it becomes pivotable, incorporating a displacement start blocking structure that is releasable upon proper mating with the connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lever is made pivotable from the initial position, then the connector housing can be mated with the mating connector, but the lever may rotate prematurely when the mating connector is not yet in the correct position
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is first displaced translatorily to a rotation start position before it becomes pivotable. This preliminary displacement action ensures that the mating connector is properly positioned and engaged with the displacement end blocking structure before rotational mating begins, preventing premature rotation and ensuring operational safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever's motion is segmented into two distinct phases: a translatory displacement phase from the initial position to the rotation start position, and a rotational mating phase from the rotation start position. This segmentation separates the positioning function from the mating function, ensuring proper engagement before rotation occurs.
2Ease of operation
If the lever is made displaceable from the initial position without blocking, then the lever can be moved freely, but incorrect operation and idle rotation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement start blocking structure provides a preliminary counter-action that prevents the lever from being displaced until the mating connector is properly positioned. This blocking mechanism ensures that only correct operational sequences are permitted, preventing incorrect operation while still allowing free displacement when properly engaged.
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
This design enhances operational safety by preventing incorrect operation and ensuring the lever only rotates when properly engaged with the mating connector, thus improving the reliability of the connector housing assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The displacement start blocking structure can therewith be released in a simple manner by the elastic deformation of the resilient arm section.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connector housing assembly (1) comprising: a connector housing (10) for receiving at least one electrical terminal; a lever (20) for mating the connector housing with a mating connector (30) along a mating direction (A), wherein the lever (20), depending on its position, is pivotable and/or displaceable in relation to the connector housing (10). For improved operational safety, the lever (20) is first displaceable from an initial position to a rotation start position before it is pivotable. The connector housing assembly (1) furthermore comprises a displacement start blocking structure (40) which is configured to block displacement from the initial position to the rotation start position and which is releasable when the connector housing (10) is mated with the mating connector (30). The present invention additionally relates to a connector having such a connector housing assembly.