Multi-contact Connector Locking Cover Embedded in Housing Recess
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft connectors have a large size and weight due to the thickness of multiple superimposed components, and they are not adequately protected against electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A multi-contact connector assembly with a first housing and a second housing that includes a movable locking cover with a recess to embed the locking cover, reducing the overall size and weight, and incorporating features like recesses, grooves, and flanges for secure assembly and electromagnetic interference protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple superimposed components (first housing, housing body, locking cover) are used to ensure secure locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the overall thickness and size of the connector increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking cover is integrated into the housing body through a recess that receives the locking cover in its locked position. This merging of components reduces the overall thickness while maintaining the secure locking function through the blocking element and locking ramp mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking cover is nested within the housing body by receiving it in a recess formed in the outer surface of the housing body. This nesting arrangement allows the locking cover to be embedded in the housing body, reducing the overall thickness of the connector assembly.
2Reliability
If multiple superimposed components are used to ensure secure locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the weight of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking cover is integrated into the housing body through a recess, merging two components into a more compact unified structure. This reduces the total material required and consequently the weight, while preserving the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking cover is nested within the housing body, eliminating the need for separate thick components. This nesting reduces the overall material volume and weight while maintaining structural integrity and locking reliability.
3Volume of stationary object
If the locking cover is made thin to reduce size, then the connector compactness is improved, but the protection against electromagnetic interference deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking cover and housing body are merged into a compact integrated structure with the locking cover received in a recess. This merging maintains thin dimensions for compactness while the integrated design ensures continuous shielding coverage for electromagnetic interference protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking cover is nested within the housing body, creating a compact thin-profile connector. The nested arrangement maintains continuous metallic coverage for electromagnetic shielding despite the reduced thickness.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The assembly has a multicontact connector housing (10) comprising relief blocking elements (20, 21), and a multicontact connector housing (30) comprising a housing body (120) extending along a longitudinal axis (X). A locking cap (50) is moved relative to the body perpendicularly to the axis between locked and unlocked positions. The cap has a blocking ramp (80) in which the element slides when the cap passes from unlocked position to the locked position. The body has setbacks (101, 102, 110) in its outside surface corresponding to thickness of the cap to receive the cap in locked position. An independent claim is also included for a method for removably assembling connector housings of a connection assembly.