Connector Lock Flap With Hidden Marker for Secure CPA Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector position assurance (CPA) systems fail to reliably detect the secure locking of connector housings due to vibrations, temperature changes, and mechanical stress, leading to potential detachment issues.
Innovation Solution
A securing device with a flap mechanism that conceals and reveals an identifying feature, allowing for reliable detection of the locking state through a scannable element, ensuring the connector is securely locked and automatable in production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a scannable element is used to detect locking state, then automated detection capability is improved, but reliability of detection under mechanical stress and vibrations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flap element is pre-positioned to cover the scannable element during assembly and locking operations. This preliminary positioning ensures that the scannable element is only exposed after the locking element has securely locked, preventing false detections during the locking process itself and ensuring automated detection only occurs when the locking state is actually secure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap element serves as an intermediary mechanical mediator between the locking element and the scannable element. It translates the mechanical locking state into an optical detection state by physically exposing or covering the scannable element, thereby reliably coupling the mechanical locking action with the automated detection system.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the identifying feature is always visible for scanning, then detection capability is improved, but security against inadvertent detachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed so that the scannable element is exposed only after the locking element has completed its locking action. This preliminary sequencing ensures that detection capability is activated only when the connector is securely locked, preventing false positives during assembly while maintaining security against inadvertent detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap element acts as a visual indicator that changes its state (from covering to exposing) based on the locking condition. This mechanical 'color change' or state change provides clear visual feedback about the locking status while maintaining security, as the scannable element remains hidden until the secure locked state is achieved.
Data Source
AI summary
A securing device for securing the locking of a locking element, including a locking element, which can be moved from a first locking position into a second locking position. The locking element produces locking in the second locking position. The securing device further includes a flap element including an identifying feature and a concealing feature, which are placed in an absolute position relative to one another on the flap element. The flap element may be moved from a first flap position, in which the concealing feature conceals the identifying feature, into a second flap position, in which the identifying feature is visible, when the locking element is in the second locking position. The identifying feature indicates an item of information.