Connector Lock Arm with Integral Primary and Secondary Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection systems with integral primary and secondary locks require a tool to disengage and produce multiple audible or tactile clicks, leading to potential misconnection issues as technicians may stop inserting the connector after the first click, leaving it partially engaged.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with a longitudinally extending lock arm and lock nibs that engage primary and secondary lock tabs, allowing for a single click indication of full engagement and tool-free disengagement by pivoting the lock arm from a resting to an activated position using a finger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector body uses a tool-required disengagement mechanism with primary and secondary locks, then connection reliability is improved, but operational complexity and risk of partial engagement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tool requirement from the disengagement process by designing a tool-free release mechanism. The secondary lock tab is configured to be manually actuatable, allowing the lock arm to be released without tools, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable connection and ease of disengagement operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic lock arm that can pivot between engaged and disengaged positions. The lock arm rotates about a pivot axis, allowing smooth transition between locked and unlocked states, making the disengagement process easier while maintaining connection reliability through the dual-lock mechanism.
2Loss of information
If a connector body produces multiple clicks during engagement, then lock engagement status is indicated, but misconnection risk increases due to technician stopping at first click
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic multiple-click feedback mechanism and replaces it with a single-click indication system. The secondary lock tab is designed to engage silently or with minimal audible feedback, while the primary lock tab provides the single definitive click, eliminating the confusion of multiple clicks and ensuring technicians continue insertion to achieve full engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple clicks to indicate progressive locking stages, the patent inverts the approach by using a single click from the primary lock tab to indicate complete engagement. The secondary lock engagement is designed to be less perceptible, reversing the traditional feedback hierarchy and preventing technicians from stopping prematurely.
3Reliability
If a connector body requires tool assistance for disengagement, then lock security is improved, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tool requirement from the disengagement process by designing a manually actuatable secondary lock tab. This allows the lock arm to be released without tools, significantly improving disengagement efficiency while the dual-lock mechanism maintains adequate security for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service disengagement mechanism where the operator can directly manipulate the secondary lock tab to release the lock arm. This eliminates the need for external tools and enables the operator to perform disengagement independently and efficiently, while the primary lock tab maintains security during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector system including a first connector having a longitudinally extending lock arm defining a lock nib and attached to the first connector. The lock nib is configured to engage a primary lock tab of a second connector when the first and second connectors are in a fully mated position and the lock arm is in a resting position. The lock nib is configured to disengage the primary lock tab and engage a secondary lock tab of the second connector when the lock arm is moved from a resting to an activated position and the first and second connectors are moved to a partially mated position while the lock arm is in the activated position. The connector system generates an audible or tactile click only when the first connector is fully mated with the second connector. The connectors can be disconnected with bare hands, no tools are required.