Connector Lock Indicator Optics for Reliable 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 an indicator element and an optically modifying element, where the indicator element is optically modified in the initial locking position to prevent detection, and only becomes discernible when the CPA system is fully locked, using lenses, prisms, or frosted elements to ensure secure and automated detection of the locking state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the indicator element is always visible, then it can be detected at any time, but it may give false feedback when the CPA system is not in the final position
Solution Approach 1:
The optically modifying element is pre-positioned to initially obscure the indicator element. This preliminary action ensures that the indicator is hidden before the CPA system reaches its final state, preventing false feedback while maintaining the ability to provide clear confirmation when properly locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The optically modifying element acts as an intermediary between the indicator element and the detection system. It selectively controls the visibility of the indicator based on the CPA system's state, allowing detection only when the system is in the correct final position while blocking detection in intermediate or incorrect states.
2Reliability
If the indicator element is concealed, then false feedback is prevented, but the element cannot be detected when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static concealment approach to a dynamic visibility control mechanism. The optically modifying element changes its optical properties or position based on the CPA system's state, making the indicator dynamically visible only when the system is properly locked, thus solving both reliability and detectability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The optically modifying element utilizes optical property changes (such as transparency, refraction, or reflection characteristics) to control the visibility of the indicator element. When the CPA system reaches its final state, the optical modification changes to allow the indicator to be detected, ensuring both reliable detection and ease of operation.
3Productivity
If a scannable element is used for automated detection, then productivity increases, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex mechanical or electronic sensors, the system uses a simple optical copy principle where the indicator element's visibility state serves as the detection signal. The scannable element reads the presence or absence of the optically modified indicator, providing automated detection with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with an optical detection mechanism. The optically modifying element and scannable element work together to provide automated detection through light interaction, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high productivity for automated CPA verification.
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 solution enables reliable and automated detection of the locking state, ensuring secure connector connections and meeting CPA locking standards by making the indicator element readable only when the system is fully closed, thus preventing misinterpretation and ensuring consistent feedback.
Implementation Method 1
an optically modifying element (212), which, in the first locking position of the locking element, optically modifies a representation of the indicator element
Implementation Method 2
The element is represented correctly and can be detected only once the CPA system has been actuated. As described in more detail below in relation to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the indicator element is not concealed; it is always visible. However, the representation of the element to be detected (represented by a DMC in the example) is outwardly optically modified by, for example, a lens, prism or a frosted element.
Data Source
AI summary
A securing device for securing the locking of a locking element includes 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 an indicator element for indicating an item of information and an optically modifying element. In the first locking position of the locking element, the optically modifying element optically modifies a representation of the indicator element such that the indicator element is not able to indicate an item of information. In the second locking position of the locking element, the optically modifying element does not optically modify the representation of the indicator element such that the indicator element indicates an item of information.