Connector Assembly Lever Mechanism for Controlled Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies face challenges with misalignment during connection, high mating and unmating forces, and difficulty in controlled handling, which can lead to damage and undefined states during disconnecting.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a pivotable lever that allows for a controlled release from a mated to a ready-to-mate state, enabling easy establishment and release of connections by pivoting the lever, and incorporating guiding means and latching elements for secure alignment and engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking devices comprising screw connections, springs, detents and bayonet mechanisms are employed to secure the connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates due to misalignment issues and difficulty in release
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic lever mechanism that pivots between positions to automatically engage and disengage locking elements. The lever is spring-loaded to provide automatic engagement when connectors are mated, and can be manually actuated to release the connection, providing both secure locking and easy operation without complex alignment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded lever mechanism automatically engages the locking elements when the connector parts are brought together, eliminating the need for manual alignment or complex operation. The system self-regulates the engagement process, providing reliable connection while maintaining ease of operation
2Reliability
If sufficient force is applied to overcome friction and clamping forces for proper connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the strength of the mounting or connector housing may be exceeded causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism provides a mechanical advantage that multiplies the operator's input force while controlling the application of force to the contact elements. This allows sufficient clamping force to be applied reliably without requiring excessive force that could damage the mounting or housing
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded lever system provides controlled force application through elastic deformation of the spring, automatically regulating the clamping force to remain within safe limits while ensuring reliable electrical contact. The force parameter is dynamically adjusted through the lever mechanism
3Ease of operation
If the connector assembly is released by pulling out the connector parts with sufficient force, then the unmating is achieved, but the connector assembly may become damaged or end up in an undefined state
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism provides a controlled release process where actuating the lever systematically disengages the locking elements before the connectors separate. This ensures the assembly transitions through a defined state rather than an undefined state, maintaining integrity while achieving easy unmating
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism performs preliminary action by automatically disengaging the locking elements and spring-loaded contacts before the connector parts are fully separated. This preliminary disengagement prevents damage during the unmating process and ensures a controlled transition to the separated state
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
Facilitates easy and controlled handling of the connector assembly during both connection and disconnection, allowing for efficient release of tightly fitted states without damaging the assembly, while ensuring secure engagement and protection of cables.
Implementation Method 1
a lever (120) which is pivotably mounted on a base body (101) of the first connector part for pivotable movement about a pivot axis between a first and a second position relative to the base body of the first connector part
Implementation Method 2
The first engaging portion (123) comprises a first cam (126) that acts against a first counter-cam (226) of the at least one counter-engaging portion (210) when pivoting the lever (120) from the first to the second position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A connector assembly (1) comprises a first connector part (100) and a second connector part (200), wherein the first connector part (100) comprises a lever (120) which is pivotably mounted on a base body (101) of the first connector part (100) for pivotable movement about a pivot axis (C) between a first and a second position relative to the base body (101) of the first connector part (100). The connector assembly (1) can be brought from a ready-to-mate state into a mated state by relative movement of the first and the second connector part (100, 200) towards each other along a connection axis and vice versa. The first connector part (100) accommodates a plurality of a first type of first contact elements (102) and the second connector part (200) accommodates a plurality of a first type of second contact elements (202) wherein the first type of first contact elements (102) matches the first type of second contact elements (202), wherein the plurality of the first type of first contact elements (102) and the plurality of the first type of second contact elements (202) being respectively connected in the mated state of the connector assembly (1). The lever (120) is in the first position when the connector assembly (1) is in the mated state, wherein at least one engaging portion of the lever (120) is engaged with at least one counter-engaging portion of the second connector part (200). The connector assembly (1) is characterized in that the at least one engaging portion of the lever (120) interacts with the at least one counter-engaging portion of the second connector part (200) of the connector assembly (1) in such a way, that the connector assembly (1) is forcibly brought from the mated state into the ready-to-mate state by pivoting the lever (120) from the first position into the second position when the connector assembly (1) is in the mated state.