Electrical Connector Locking Mechanism for Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrical connector assemblies lack reliable latching mechanisms that securely retain plug cable connectors in both vertical and front-to-back directions, leading to potential disconnection during vibration or stress.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector assembly featuring a locking station with side walls and a deflectable spring mechanism, where the spring's offset ends engage with locking shoulders to provide stable retention in both vertical and front-to-back directions, preventing backward and upward movement of the plug cable connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking means are used, then the structure is simple, but the connector cannot reliably prevent movement in both vertical and front-to-back directions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent directional locking systems: vertical locking through the spring pressing offset ends against locking shoulders, and front-to-back locking through the rearwardly extending portions engaging with the locking station. This segmentation allows each subsystem to handle one directional constraint, achieving reliable multi-directional retention without requiring a monolithic complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional single-plane locking to three-dimensional multi-directional locking. The spring mechanism operates in the vertical dimension while the rearwardly extending portions provide locking in the front-to-back dimension, creating a spatial locking system that constrains the connector in multiple dimensions simultaneously, thereby preventing disconnection under various stress conditions.
2Reliability
If no locking means are used, then the device complexity is minimal, but the connector cannot prevent backward or upward movement during vibration or stress
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides self-service locking functionality by automatically pressing the offset ends against the locking shoulders upon insertion, creating vertical retention without requiring additional actuation. The rearwardly extending portions similarly engage passively with the locking station, allowing the connector to self-lock in both vertical and front-to-back directions through its own structural features during the insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element introduces dynamic compliance to the locking system, allowing for controlled deformation and recovery. The spring can deflect to accommodate insertion forces and then maintain constant pressing force against the locking shoulders, providing adaptive retention that responds to varying load conditions while maintaining reliable connection stability.
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
Ensures secure and vibration-resistant connection by preventing the plug cable connector from moving rearward or upward, thus maintaining a stable electrical connection under various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring being deflectable in a vertical direction perpendicular to both said front-to-back direction and said transverse direction
Implementation Method 2
Said spring includes a pair of laterally extending offset ends; and each side wall defines a locking shoulder facing forwardly and pressing against said respective offset end downwardly
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of the present invention, an electrical connector assembly includes a locking station and a plug cable connector. Said locking station has a receiving cavity, and a pair of side walls extending in a front-to-back direction and locating at two sides of the receiving cavity in a transverse direction perpendicular to said front-to-back direction. Said plug cable connector is forwardly inserted into said receiving cavity and includes a spring being deflectable in a vertical direction perpendicular to both said front-to-back direction and said transverse direction. Said spring includes a pair of laterally extending offset ends; and each side wall defines a locking shoulder facing forwardly and pressing against said respective offset end downwardly.