Connector Lock Indicator Pattern for Reliable CPA Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector position assurance (CPA) systems fail to reliably detect the locking state of connectors, particularly under vibrations, temperature changes, and mechanical stress, leading to potential detachment issues.
Innovation Solution
A securing device with an indicator element featuring a primary and secondary identifying feature, where the identifying feature is obscured within the secondary feature in the unlocked position and becomes discernible in the locked position, utilizing scannable elements like 1D or 2D codes to ensure reliable locking detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a scannable element is used to detect locking state, then automation and productivity are improved, but reliability deteriorates because the element cannot be reliably detected under vibrations, temperature changes, and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The identifying feature is segmented into two states: integrated with the second identifying feature (when unlocked) and separated from it (when locked). This segmentation allows the system to use a single scannable element that can be reliably detected in both states, with the locking state determined by whether the features are integrated or separated rather than by fundamentally different detection targets.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using different scannable elements for locked and unlocked states, the invention inverts the approach by using the same scannable element whose appearance changes based on locking state. The identifying feature's relationship to the second identifying feature (integrated vs. separated) encodes the state information, making the detection more reliable under various environmental conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the identifying feature is always visible, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the feature cannot be reliably discerned in the unlocked position
Solution Approach 1:
The visibility and discernibility of the identifying feature are made dynamic rather than static. In the unlocked position, the identifying feature is integrated with the second identifying feature making it indiscernible. In the locked position, the identifying feature becomes separated and discernible. This dynamic change in discernibility provides reliable locking state detection while maintaining ease of operation through consistent visual presence.
3Reliability
If the identifying feature is obscured in the unlocked position, then reliability of locking detection is improved, but loss of information occurs because the identifying feature cannot be read in the open position
Solution Approach 1:
The information encoding is segmented into the spatial relationship between the identifying feature and the second identifying feature. The identifying feature itself remains visible and readable in both positions, but its informational content about locking state is encoded in whether it is integrated with or separated from the second identifying feature. This allows information to be available in both states without sacrificing reliability.
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 having an identifying feature for indicating an item of information. In the first locking position of the locking element, the identifying feature is part of a second identifying feature, and therefore the identifying feature cannot be discerned separately. In the second locking position of the locking element, the identifying feature is not part of the second identifying feature, and therefore the identifying feature can be discerned separately.