Connector Housing Locking Sections for Secure Contact Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection assemblies for electrical terminals lack sufficient security, leading to potential disconnection of contact elements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of locking sections in the second housing part that lock latching elements in a latching position, providing a secure connection by extending into the first housing part and interacting with the latching elements and wall sections, and utilizing a sealing element for enhanced protection against external influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If latching elements are used to secure contact elements, then connection security is improved, but the assembly structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking section integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, guides the latching element during insertion, and mechanically blocks the latching element from disengaging. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking section acts as an intermediary mechanism between the housing and the latching element. It mediates the interaction by providing a blocking surface that prevents disconnection without requiring direct complex engagement between the housing and latching element, thereby simplifying the overall assembly structure.
2Reliability
If locking sections are added to prevent disconnection, then connection security is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking section is integrated into the housing as a single molded or machined feature rather than a separate component. This merging eliminates the need for additional assembly steps and reduces manufacturing complexity while still providing the necessary locking function to prevent disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking section is designed to automatically engage with the latching element during the normal assembly process. The blocking surface is positioned such that the latching element is locked in place simply by being inserted into the housing, without requiring additional manual locking operations or complex manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If the locking section extends beyond the first housing part, then connection security is improved, but the device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking section extends only in the specific region where the latching element requires blocking, rather than uniformly throughout the entire housing. This localized extension provides the necessary connection security while minimizing the overall increase in device dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking section utilizes the depth dimension of the housing to provide the blocking function, extending inward from the outer surface only as far as necessary to intercept the latching element. This approach provides secure locking without significantly increasing the external dimensions of the device in other directions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connection assembly (100) is shown comprising a first housing part (10) that comprises contact element receptacles (11) for contact elements (12), and latching elements (14) for latching the contact elements (12) in the contact element receptacles (11), a second housing part (20) that is configured to be plugged together with the first housing part (10), a joint connector (40) that is held between the first housing part (10) and the second housing part (20) and configured to connect at least two contact elements (12), where the second housing part (20) comprises at least one locking section (21) that locks one of the latching elements (40) in a latching position (91).