Connector Lock Indicator With Hidden Orientation Marks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Connector Position Assurance (CPA) systems fail to reliably detect the locking state of connectors, especially under mechanical influences like vibration or temperature changes, due to obscured orientation elements, which are crucial for secure locking and automation in production and assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A security device with a display element and orientation elements, where the orientation elements are made unrecognizable in the first locking position and recognizable in the second locking position through a surrounding black frame or additional edge, ensuring the Data Matrix Code (DMC) is always visible but detectable only when the lock is fully engaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the orientation elements are always visible on the display element, then the display element can always be detected, but the locking state cannot be reliably distinguished between locked and unlocked positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the visibility of orientation elements change dynamically based on the locking state. When the locking element is in the unlocked first position, the orientation elements are visible. When the locking element transitions to the locked second position, the display element moves such that the orientation elements become invisible. This dynamic visibility change allows reliable distinction between locked and unlocked states without requiring additional sensors or complex mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the display element is concealed in the first locking position, then the locking state can be distinguished, but the display element cannot be detected for automated monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the preliminary action principle by pre-configuring the display element with orientation elements that are inherently visible in the unlocked state. This preliminary arrangement allows automated scanning systems to detect the display element's presence and position before the locking action occurs. When the locking element engages, the display element's movement automatically conceals the orientation elements, providing both automated detectability and reliable locking state indication without requiring additional active components.
3Measurement precision
If the orientation elements are made visible through a recess in the bracket, then the display element can be detected in the locked position, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting the orientation elements from the bracket structure and integrating them directly into the display element. Instead of creating a complex recess in the bracket to make the orientation elements visible, the solution places the orientation elements on the display element itself, which naturally becomes visible when the display element moves to the locked position. This simplifies the bracket structure while maintaining detection accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a locking device (100) for securing a locking of a locking element (110), wherein the locking device (100) comprises: a locking element (110) that is movable from a first locking position (111) to a second locking position (112), wherein the locking element (110) effects a locking in the second locking position (112); and an indicator element (120) for displaying information, wherein the indicator element (120) is always visible and not obscured in the first locking position, wherein the indicator element (120) has one or more orientation elements (212) for marking a position of the indicator element (120), wherein the indicator element (120) is detectable via the one or more orientation elements (212);wherein the one or more orientation elements (212) are at least partially obscured in the first locking position (111) of the locking element (110) so that the indicator element (120) is not detectable; and wherein the one or more orientation elements (212) are made visible in the second locking position (112) of the locking element (110) so that the indicator element (120) is detectable.