Connector Secondary Locking Member Insertion Direction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors used in the automotive field for high current transmission require complex production processes and sealing methods due to lateral insertion of secondary locking members, making them difficult to produce and seal effectively.

Innovation Solution

A connector design that allows for the insertion of a secondary locking member through a connector face perpendicular to the connecting direction, eliminating the need for additional mold inserts and lateral openings, and utilizing assembly and locking guide rails to facilitate easy insertion and actuation, while also enabling the use of a single secondary locking member to interlock multiple contact connector elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the secondary locking member is inserted perpendicularly to the connecting direction of the connector, then the locking functionality is achieved, but the production process becomes complex and sealing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionalityVSAvoidproduction process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of inserting the secondary locking member perpendicularly to the connecting direction (conventional approach), the patent inverts the insertion direction to align with the connecting direction. The locking element is guided through the connector housing along the same axis as the plug connection, eliminating the need for lateral openings and complex mold inserts while maintaining the secondary locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of manufacture

If a lateral opening is provided for the secondary locking member, then the locking element can be inserted, but moisture can enter the connector

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion capabilityVSAvoidmoisture ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates lateral openings by inverting the insertion approach. The secondary locking member is guided through the connector housing along the connecting direction, using the same opening already required for electrical contact insertion. This maintains insertion capability while preventing moisture ingress through lateral openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The opening in the connector housing serves multiple functions: it allows insertion of both the electrical contact elements and the secondary locking member. By making the opening universal for both purposes, the patent eliminates the need for separate lateral openings that would compromise sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If additional mold inserts are used for lateral insertion, then the secondary locking member can be inserted laterally, but production effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral insertion capabilityVSAvoidmold insert complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the insertion direction from lateral to longitudinal (along the connecting direction). This eliminates the need for complex lateral mold inserts, as the secondary locking member can be guided through the same opening used for electrical contacts, simplifying the mold design and reducing production effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the secondary locking member insertion function from the lateral insertion path and integrates it into the longitudinal insertion path. By removing the requirement for separate lateral mold inserts and integrating both insertion functions through the same opening, the overall device complexity is reduced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If the secondary locking member is inserted from the side, then the locking function is achieved, but the latching position is difficult to recognize

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidlatching position recognition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a visual indicator (colored marking) on the secondary locking member that is visible through the connector housing. As the locking element moves along the guiding path during insertion, the position of this colored marking changes, providing clear visual feedback about the latching position to the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a visual indicator (colored marking) as an intermediary between the secondary locking member's position and the user's perception. This mediator translates the internal mechanical position into an easily observable visual signal, making latching position recognition simple without compromising the locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9287650B2Connector and mating connector

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 LISA DRAXLMAIER GMBH

AI summary

An electrical connector is configured to be electrically coupled to a mating connector. The connector includes a housing having a contact chamber and a connector face. The connector further includes a contact connector element accommodated in the contact chamber. The contact connector element includes a primary locking member configured to latch with the contact chamber. The connector also includes a secondary locking member assembled to the housing via the connector face. The secondary locking member is configured to interlock the contact connector element in the housing.