Electrical Connector Locking Collar Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical connectors often have a low resistance to disengagement from mating connectors, leading to unintentional disconnection, especially in mobile or crowded environments, and existing locking solutions increase cost, complexity, and assembly time due to the use of separate components.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a locking collar with a projection that engages a recess in a press-fit relationship, providing enhanced mechanical connection and retention without the need for additional components, utilizing a bayonet-type connection with threads and projections to securely lock the connector to the mating connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking collar with separate components (spring clip, retaining ring, tie wrap) is used to secure the electrical connector, then the resistance to disengagement is improved, but the cost, complexity, and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking collar is integrated directly into the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate retaining components. The collar forms part of the housing body, combining the housing and locking mechanism into a single unified structure, thereby reducing part count and assembly complexity while maintaining disengagement resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection, structural support, and integrated locking capability. The locking collar is formed as part of the housing, allowing the housing to simultaneously perform containment and securing functions without requiring additional specialized components
2Reliability
If a locking collar with separate components is used to secure the electrical connector, then the resistance to disengagement is improved, but the cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking collar and housing are formed as a single integrated component, eliminating multiple assembly steps. The unified structure requires only one assembly operation instead of multiple component installations, significantly reducing assembly time and manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable locking functionality
3Reliability
If a locking collar with separate components is used to secure the electrical connector, then the resistance to disengagement is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking collar is formed as an integral part of the housing, eliminating the need for separate purchasing and inventory management of multiple components. This integration reduces material costs, assembly costs, and inventory complexity while providing adequate disengagement resistance through the unified structure
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
An electrical connector (12) is provided for mating with a mating connector. The electrical connector (12) includes a housing (50) and an electrical contact (66) held by the housing (50). The housing (50) has a mating end (56) that faces the mating connector when the electrical connector (12) is mated with the mating connector. The housing (50) includes a body (52) having a retaining flange (84). A locking collar (16) is movably mounted on the body (52) of the housing (50). The locking collar (16) includes a locking element (30) and an inwardly directed shoulder having an opening extending therethrough. The locking element (30) is configured to engage the mating connector to lock the electrical connector (12) to the mating connector. The shoulder engages the retaining flange (84) of the body (52) when the locking collar (16) is fully engaged with the mating connector. The retaining flange (84) of the body (52) is configured to engage the locking element (30) of the locking collar (16) to retain the locking collar (16) on the body (52) of the housing (50).