Connector Locking Mechanism with Pivoting Jaws for Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical connector assembly methods for aircraft instrument panels are cumbersome, requiring high precision and significant mechanical force, often done blind and with complex setups, and lack efficient means for locking and unlocking connectors without risking damage to the electrical strand.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical structure with two mobile jaws, each on a pivot, facilitating translational movement of the connector, allowing for easy connection and extraction by adjusting the distance between jaws to match the connector's shoulder, and incorporating a locking mechanism to manage extraction force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate electrical connection and mechanical mounting are performed, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring sufficiently long electrical strand and external force application means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical connection and mechanical mounting operations into a single integrated process. The connector assembly includes both electrical contacts and mechanical retention features (shoulder, gripping surfaces) that allow simultaneous electrical and mechanical connection when the connector is inserted into the base, eliminating the need for separate mounting steps and long electrical strands.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both electrical connection and mechanical retention purposes. The single component performs multiple functions: providing electrical contacts, providing a shoulder for mechanical retention, and providing gripping surfaces for extraction. This eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each function.
2Force
If significant traction force is applied to extract the connector, then extraction force is sufficient, but the electrical strand may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mechanical retention function from the electrical strand by providing a separate dedicated retention mechanism. The connector assembly includes a shoulder and gripping surfaces that are specifically designed for mechanical retention and extraction, allowing force to be applied to these robust mechanical features rather than to the fragile electrical strand.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly acts as an intermediary between the electrical strand and the extraction force. The mechanical features (shoulder, gripping surfaces) serve as intermediaries that transmit and distribute extraction force away from the electrical strand, protecting it from damage while still enabling sufficient extraction force to be applied.
3Productivity
If blind connection method is used, then mounting speed is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to visually align connector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment actions into the insertion process. The connector assembly includes mechanical guidance features such as a shoulder that engages with the base and gripping surfaces that guide the connector into proper alignment during insertion. These preliminary mechanical alignment actions ensure precise positioning before final connection is made.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure, efficient, and force-reduced connection and extraction of electrical connectors, improving ease of use and reducing the risk of damage to the connector or electrical strand.
Implementation Method 1
each jaw is mounted on a pivot, the movement of the movable jaw being a rotational movement around said pivot
Implementation Method 2
The axis of the pivot being parallel to the determined direction, each jaw comprises two jaws, the upper part of the first jaw is in the form of an inclined disc
Data Source
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AI summary
The general field of the invention is that of locking and extraction devices (10) for an electrical connector (3) in an electronic housing (1), said electronic housing comprising the electrical socket (2) corresponding to said electrical connector, the connection and extraction of the electrical connector being carried out in a predetermined direction, parallel to the electrical contacts of the electrical connector. The connector according to the invention is mounted in a mechanical assembly comprising at least one shoulder (4). The electronic housing comprises a mechanical structure having at least one movable jaw (12, 13, 22, 23, 31, 33) arranged so as to grasp the shoulder of the connector and impart a translational movement to it in said predetermined direction, thus facilitating the connection or extraction of said electrical connector in its electrical socket.