Connector Locking Arm With Integrated Securing Against Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connector arrangements are overly complex, leading to high manufacturing costs and potential instability in connections due to the need for intricate locking mechanisms to prevent unwanted loosening.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a plug connector and mating connector featuring a latching arm that engages with a locking receptacle, a safety unit that moves between a locking and release position, and a deflection slope for secure connection without external forces, reducing complexity and manufacturing effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms and connector position locks are used to prevent unwanted loosening, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function and securing function into a single integrated locking arm that performs both operations sequentially during one insertion motion. The locking arm engages with the locking receptacle first, then secures the connection by engaging with the securing element, eliminating the need for separate locking and securing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm is designed as a multi-functional component that serves multiple purposes: it acts as both a locking element and a securing element. By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent reduces the overall number of parts while maintaining connection stability and preventing unwanted loosening.
2Reliability
If intricate locking mechanisms are used to ensure secure connection, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple locking and securing functions into a single integrated locking arm, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This simplification directly reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the secure connection through the combined locking and securing actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm is designed to automatically perform both locking and securing functions during the insertion process without requiring separate manual operations or additional components. The single insertion motion triggers the sequential engagement of the locking receptacle and securing element, reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If multiple locking elements and corresponding receptacles are used, then connection stability is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking element and securing element into a single locking arm component. This integrated design performs both locking and securing functions using one component instead of multiple separate elements, thereby reducing the total number of parts while maintaining connection stability through sequential engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm is designed as a universal component that fulfills multiple functions: it locks the connection by engaging with the locking receptacle and secures the connection by engaging with the securing element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components, simplifying the overall device structure.
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 provides a secure connection for cables to electrical components while minimizing complexity and manufacturing costs, ensuring the connection remains stable without unwanted loosening.
Implementation Method 1
The securing unit (11) is movably arranged on the base side (7) between a locking position, in which the securing unit (11) locks the locking arm (8) in the rest position, and a release position, in which the locking arm (8) can be moved out of its rest position
Implementation Method 2
the securing arm (13) is deflected perpendicular to the insertion direction (1) and parallel to the base side (7) when the connector (2) is inserted into the connection position. The deflection of the locking arm (8) preferably occurs in such a way that the locking arm slides off the counter-stop element (18) when the connector (2) is inserted into the receiving space (9) due to the deflection slope and is deflected by elastic deformation
Implementation Method 3
The securing arm (13) has a stop surface (14) which, in the release position, abuts against a stop element (15) arranged on the base side (7) of the housing (4), such that movement of the securing unit (11) into the locking position is blocked
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention comprises a connection device (1) with a connector (2) and a mating connector (3), wherein the connector (2) has a housing (4) comprising a mating side (5), a rear side (6), and a base (7) connecting the mating side (5) and the rear side (6), and a locking arm (8). The mating connector (3) has a receiving space (9) into which the connector (2) can be inserted, at least partially, in an insertion direction into a connection position, wherein in the connection position the locking arm (8) is in a rest position engaged with a locking receptacle (10) of the mating connector (3). The connector (2) has a locking unit (11) which is movably arranged on the base (7) between a locking position, in which the locking unit (11) locks the locking arm (8) in the rest position, and a release position, in which the locking arm (8) can be moved from its rest position.The locking unit (11) has a base part (12) and a locking arm (13) extending away from the base part (12) towards the plug-in side (5), the locking arm (13) having a stop surface (14) which, in the release position, abuts a stop element (15) arranged on the base side (7) of the housing (4), so that movement of the locking unit (11) into the locking position is blocked.The locking arm (13) has a deflection ramp (17) at an end (16) facing away from the base part (12), wherein the mating connector (3) has at least one counter-stop element (18) which, when the connector (2) is inserted into the receiving space (9), abuts the deflection ramp (17) and deflects the locking arm (13) perpendicular to an insertion direction and parallel to the base side (7), so that in the connection position the stop surface (14) is arranged offset from the stop element (15) and the locking unit (11) can be moved into the locking position.