Connector Lock Indicator With Hidden DMC Orientation Marks
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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, necessitating a solution that ensures secure and automated detection of locking states.
Innovation Solution
A securing device with an indicator element and orientation elements, utilizing a data matrix code (DMC) that becomes discernible only in the locked position, allowing for reliable scanning and detection of the locking state, thereby ensuring secure and automated assurance of connector locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the indicator element is always visible, then automated detection can be performed at any time, but false detection may occur when the locking is not secure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the indicator element dynamically visible or invisible based on the locking state. In the first locking position, the indicator element is visible for automated detection. In the second locking position, the indicator element becomes invisible, preventing false detection. This dynamic visibility control resolves the contradiction between enabling automated detection and preventing false detection.
2Ease of operation
If the orientation elements are always discernible, then the indicator element can be detected at any time, but the locking state cannot be confirmed
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation elements' discernibility is made dynamic based on locking position. In the first locking position, orientation elements are discernible to allow scanning and detection. In the second locking position, they become indiscernible, confirming secure locking. This resolves the contradiction between ease of scanning and reliable locking confirmation.
3Reliability
If a peripheral black frame is added to the DMC, then the orientation elements can be concealed, but the DMC structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the orientation elements from the DMC structure by placing them in a separate indicator element that can be independently controlled. The peripheral black frame is used to conceal or reveal these extracted orientation elements based on locking state. This extraction approach allows control of detection without significantly complicating the core DMC structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A securing device for securing the locking of a locking element including a locking element that moves 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 an indicator element for indicating an item of information. In the first locking position, the indicator element is visible and is not concealed. The indicator element has one or more orientation elements for marking a position of the indicator element. The indicator element can be detected via the one or more orientation elements. In the first locking position, the one or more orientation elements are made at least partially unidentifiable, such that the indicator element cannot be detected. In the second locking position of the locking element, the one or more orientation elements are made identifiable, such that the indicator element can be detected.