Connector Assembly Locking Mechanism for HV Fastening Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-voltage connectors face challenges in accurately determining the fastening of high-voltage modules due to synchronous movement with low-voltage modules, leading to misjudgment and safety risks, and visual inspection of fastener tightening is inefficient, posing a risk of incomplete connections.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a locking component that rotates between locking and unlocking positions based on the fastening status of high-voltage modules, ensuring the low-voltage module can only move to a final connected position after the high-voltage module is securely fastened, and includes a mechanism to detect if all fasteners are tightened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If visual inspection is used to check fastener tightening, then the inspection process is simple, but the accuracy and reliability of fastening detection is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism (the locking component that interacts with the high-voltage module) to mediate between the fastening action and the inspection process. This intermediary provides objective feedback about fastening status, resolving the contradiction between simple inspection and accurate detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the subjective visual inspection system with an objective mechanical detection system. The locking component's ability to rotate or lock provides clear mechanical feedback about fastening status, eliminating the imprecision of visual judgment while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the low-voltage module moves synchronously with the high-voltage module, then the connection process is simple, but the accuracy of determining high-voltage module fastening status is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection determination process by introducing a separate detection mechanism (locking component) that independently verifies high-voltage module fastening status. This segmentation allows the low-voltage module to move synchronously for simplicity while the locking component provides independent verification for accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component acts as an intermediary that decouples the movement of the low-voltage module from the determination of fastening status. It provides independent verification of high-voltage module fastening, resolving the contradiction between synchronous movement simplicity and accurate status determination.
3Productivity
If fasteners are not tightened properly, then the connector assembly is incomplete, but safety accidents may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary verification through the locking component that checks fastening status before allowing the connection to be considered complete. This preliminary action ensures proper tightening occurs before operational use, preventing safety accidents while maintaining efficient assembly throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component provides immediate feedback about fastening status, creating a closed-loop verification system. This feedback mechanism ensures that incomplete fastening is detected and corrected before the connector is put into service, resolving the contradiction between assembly speed and connection safety.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention discloses a connector and a connector assembly. The connector comprises: a housing (10) which is suitable for mating with a mating housing (20) of a mating connector (2); a high-voltage module (11) which is provided in the housing (10) and is suitable for being fastened to a high-voltage mating module (21) of a mating connector (2) to be electrically connected with the high-voltage mating module (21); a low-voltage module (12) which is movably installed outside the housing (10); and a locking component (13) which is rotatably installed outside the housing (10). When the high-voltage module (11) is not fastened to the high-voltage mating module (21), the locking component (13) is limited by the high-voltage module (11) to a locking position engaged with the low-voltage module (12) to lock the low-voltage module (12) in a pre installation position separated from a low-voltage mating module (22) of the mating connector (2); when the high-voltage module (11) has been fastened to the high-voltage mating module (21), the locking component (13) can be rotated to an unlocking position separated from the low-voltage module (12) to allow the low-voltage module (12) to be moved to a final installation position electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module (22). Therefore, the present invention can ensure that the low-voltage module can be moved to the final installation position only after the high-voltage module has been fastened to the high-voltage mating module, so as to accurately determine whether the high-voltage module has been fastened to the high-voltage mating module based on the electrical connection status between the low-voltage module and the low-voltage mating module.