Electrical Connector Lock with Forward and Reverse Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector locks, such as biased hooks, may not effectively prevent excessive deflection and separation under applied forces, particularly in environments with vibrations.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a movable handle and catch mechanism with forward and reverse stops, allowing the catch to engage a strike to lock the connector in place and limit movement, thereby resisting applied forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a biased hook is used as a lock in the electrical connector, then the connector can be secured against separation, but the hook may deflect excessively under applied forces particularly in vibrating environments
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is designed as a resilient member that can dynamically deflect forward and reverse. The forward stop limits forward deflection while the reverse stop limits reverse deflection, allowing the lock to adapt to vibration forces while maintaining reliable engagement with the strike.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces two distinct stop positions (forward stop and reverse stop) that define the operational parameters of the resilient lock. These stops control the range of motion and deflection limits, ensuring the lock remains within safe operational boundaries while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If the catch is allowed to move freely to engage the strike, then the connector can be securely locked, but the catch may deflect excessively causing unreliable engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The catch is designed as a resilient member capable of forward and reverse movement. The forward stop prevents excessive forward deflection that would cause unreliable engagement, while allowing sufficient movement for proper strike engagement. The reverse stop prevents excessive reverse deflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The forward stop and reverse stop are pre-positioned to define the acceptable range of motion for the catch before engagement occurs. This preliminary constraint ensures that when the catch engages the strike, it does so within optimal parameters for reliable engagement.
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 design effectively prevents relative movement and maintains the connector in a locked position under applied forces, enhancing stability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The hook is supported by a resilient piece, which allows the hook to move relative to the component with which it is integrally formed
Implementation Method 2
A catch is attached to a handle of the lever for relative movement in a forward direction and a reverse direction
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes an electrical connector housing and a lever that is movable relative to the electrical connector housing between a pre-mate position and a final position. The electrical connector includes a lock with a catch that is movable relative to the lever between an open position and a closed position. The catch retains in the lever in the final position when the catch is in the closed position. The catch can be moved in a forward direction relative to the lever to allow the lever to move from the closed position to the open position. The catch moves in a reverse direction relative to the lever when the lever is moved toward the pre-mate position when the catch is in the closed position.