Electrical Connector Locking Member Positioning for Waterproof Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors for outdoor LED illumination devices are bulky and have compromised waterproof performance due to the placement of locking members between terminals, requiring longer wires and reducing the sealing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design features a plug connector with a cantilevered locking member and a receptacle connector with a complementary locking mechanism, where both locking members are positioned outside their housings, allowing for a thinner profile and improved sealing by reducing the spacing between terminals and enhancing the snap-fit locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the locking member is disposed between two terminals, then the locking stability is improved, but the total width of the electrical connector is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is repositioned from a between-terminals location to an end location of the housing, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the connector rather than the lateral dimension. This dimensional shift allows the locking function to be maintained while reducing the width requirement, as the locking member now extends from the end of the housing rather than occupying space between terminals.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the locking member is disposed between two terminals, then the locking stability is improved, but the wire length and peeling complexity are increased
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the locking member to the end of the housing in the longitudinal direction, the wire connection point is optimized. Wires can now be connected at the end of the housing where the locking member is located, eliminating the need for excessive wire length and complex peeling operations that would be required if the locking member remained between terminals.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the locking member is disposed between two terminals, then the locking stability is improved, but the waterproof performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Relocating the locking member to the end of the housing creates a more effective waterproof seal. The end-positioned locking member allows for better sealing between the housing and the connected component, as the seal can extend continuously from the end of the housing without being interrupted by a between-terminals locking structure. This improves the IP67 waterproof grade by eliminating potential leakage paths.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector is disclosed having a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first housing, a plurality of first terminals mounted in the first housing, and a first locking member positioned outside of the first housing. The second connector has a second housing, a plurality of second terminals complementary to the plurality of first terminals, and a second locking member positioned outside of the second housing and complementary with the first locking member.