Connector Lock Indicator With Concealed Scan Feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Connector Position Assurance (CPA) systems lack reliable automation in detecting the locking state of connectors, especially under mechanical influences like vibration or temperature changes, which can lead to unintentional detachment.
Innovation Solution
A security device with a folding mechanism that integrates a concealment feature and an identification feature in absolute position, where the concealment feature covers the identification feature until the locking element is activated, allowing reliable detection of the locking state using a scannable element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a scannable element is used to detect locking state, then automation and reliability of detection is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to false readings under mechanical influences like vibration or temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the scannable element in a concealed state before the locking operation occurs. The element is strategically placed so that it is only revealed and becomes scannable after the locking element has already engaged, preventing false readings during the vulnerable locking process while maintaining detection reliability after locking is secured.
2Extent of automation
If the identification feature is always visible, then detection automation is improved, but the system loses the ability to conceal the locking state during intermediate positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the visibility of the identification feature dynamic rather than static. The scannable element transitions from a concealed state to a visible state based on the position of the locking element. This dynamic concealment/reveal mechanism allows the system to maintain automation capability while preserving information security during intermediate positions, as the element is only scannable when the locking state is finalized.
3Productivity
If the scannable element is revealed early in the locking process, then automation detection is improved, but false positive detections occur during intermediate positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the scannable element for detection only after the locking element has already engaged. The element is positioned and concealed during the locking operation, then revealed only when locking is complete. This sequencing ensures that automated detection occurs at the optimal moment when the locking state is finalized, eliminating false positives while maintaining assembly productivity through immediate post-locking verification.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a
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 a hinged element (120) with a recognition feature (124) and a concealment feature (123) arranged in absolute position relative to each other on the hinged element (120), wherein the hinged element (120) is movable from a first hinged position (121) in which the concealment feature (123) conceals the recognition feature (124) to a second hinged position (122) in which the recognition feature (124) is visible, when the locking element (110) is in the second locking position (112), wherein the recognition feature (124) displays information.