Compact Automotive Connector Locking Mechanism Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for automotive RF connectors are cumbersome, requiring multiple assembled parts, leading to a large housing length and sensitivity to external influences.
Innovation Solution
A compact locking mechanism featuring a latching clip and rocker design, where the latching clip is elastically deflected by an operating element, integrated within a short, integral plastic housing, allowing for simplified construction and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided to secure the plug connection, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the overall length of the housing increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated directly into the housing structure, merging the locking function with the housing itself. The latching clip is formed as an integral part of the housing, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing the overall housing length while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching clip is nested within the housing structure, with its arms extending into the insertion direction and being elastically deflected transverse to the insertion direction. This nested arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be compactly integrated without increasing the external dimensions of the housing.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple separate parts is used, then the connection security is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to considerable assembly outlay
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is formed as an integral part of the housing through injection molding, combining multiple separate components into a single molded piece. This eliminates the need for separate assembly operations and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching clip is designed to automatically latch during insertion without requiring separate assembly steps. The elastic deflection of the arms provides self-latching functionality, and the operating element integrates the unlatching function into the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate locking components.
3Ease of operation
If the latching clip is elastically deflected transverse to the insertion direction, then the unlatching function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching clip utilizes elastic deformation in the transverse direction to provide dynamic latching and unlatching functionality. The arms can be elastically deflected to engage or disengage from the mating connector, providing a simple yet effective locking mechanism without complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism relies on changes in the elastic parameters of the latching clip arms. By elastically deflecting the arms transverse to the insertion direction, the system changes the position and shape parameters of the locking elements to achieve latching and unlatching without complex mechanisms.
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
The solution provides a robust, compact, and easy-to-assemble connector with a short housing length, enhancing reliability and resistance to external influences while maintaining compatibility with standard automotive plug connections.
Implementation Method 1
a latching clip (14) which is accommodated in an accommodation space (21) in the housing (11), extends in the insertion direction (32) and can be elastically deflected transverse to the insertion direction (32)
Implementation Method 2
The rocker is formed by two parallel rocker arms (18, 18') which extend in the insertion direction and are supported on a floor (23) of the accommodation space (21) which runs parallel to the insertion direction (32) by means of bearing lugs (19, 19')
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing, which extends along a longitudinal axis lying in the plug-in direction and which is divided into an electric connector part and a locking device located next to the electric connector part for the releasable locking of the connector with a corresponding counterpart. The locking device includes a detent bracket that is held in a receiving chamber of the housing, that extends in the plug-in direction, and can be elastically deflected perpendicularly to the plug-in direction. The detent bracket is elastically deflected perpendicularly to the plug-in direction by an actuating element mounted on the housing in order to be disengaged. A compact construction is achieved because the actuating element lies adjacent to the detent bracket perpendicularly to the plug-in direction and the length of the actuating element in the plug-in direction is less than or approximately equal to the length of the detent bracket.