Plug-and-Socket Connector Locking and Seating Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical plug-and-socket connectors lack secure locking mechanisms and fail to provide a direct method for verifying correct seating of plug contacts, leading to potential misconnection issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pivotable flap with first and second projections that extend into openings of the housing to lock and verify the correct positioning of plug contacts, using a combination of latching elements and projections to ensure secure locking and detect incorrect positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single locking pin is used to lock plug contacts, then the structure is simple, but the locking security is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent locking pins (first locking pin and second locking pin) that can engage with corresponding locking grooves on the plug contact. This segmentation allows each pin to provide independent locking action, significantly enhancing locking security while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pins are nested within the housing structure, with the first locking pin positioned in a first opening and the second locking pin positioned in a second opening. Both pins can simultaneously engage with the plug contact, creating a nested configuration that provides robust locking without excessive external complexity
2Device complexity
If no verification mechanism is provided, then the device is simpler, but incorrect seating of plug contacts cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The verification mechanism provides visual feedback through a visible indication feature (such as a colored indicator or marker) that becomes visible only when the plug contact is correctly seated and both locking pins are properly engaged. This feedback allows users to immediately verify correct connection without complex measurement tools
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pins are designed to engage with the plug contact before final closure of the housing, allowing the locking action and verification to occur preliminarily. The visible indication is prepared in advance and only becomes visible when correct seating is achieved, enabling verification before complete assembly is finalized
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical plug-and-socket connector includes a housing having chambers for receiving contacts. Latches of the chambers hold contacts inserted in the chambers. The housing has first and second openings with pairs of the first and second openings respectively leading into the chambers. A flap attached to the housing is pivotable to either open away from the housing or close against the housing. The flap includes first projections which extend through the first openings into the chambers when the flap is closed to lock contacts held in the chambers. The flap includes second projections which extend through the second openings into the chambers when the flap is closed and when the contacts held in the chambers are positioned correctly in the chambers to engage the contacts and thereby reinforce the locking of the contacts held in the chambers.