Connector Housing Locking Structure for Tensile Load Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector housings fail to reliably secure contact elements under high mechanical loads, particularly tensile forces, leading to potential disconnection during vehicle operation, especially in automotive applications.
Innovation Solution
A connector housing arrangement with a locking element that secures the contact element along the longitudinal axis and limits movement in multiple directions, using a rigid component with complementary blocking surfaces and a thread-like connection to prevent displacement under tensile stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking element is used to secure the contact element axially, then the contact element is secured against tensile forces, but the locking element may bend or be forced out of its locking position under high mechanical loads
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to deflect laterally (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) under tensile load, converting axial force into lateral movement. This dimensional change allows the locking element to absorb tensile forces through elastic deformation in the lateral direction while maintaining its locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element utilizes elastic deformation as a parameter change mechanism. Under tensile load, the locking element changes its physical state from a rigid locked position to a deflected state, allowing it to absorb energy and then return to its original position, maintaining reliable securing under varying mechanical loads.
2Strength
If the locking element is made rigid to prevent bending, then it can withstand high loads, but it cannot absorb tensile forces through deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed with controlled elastic deformation capabilities. While maintaining sufficient rigidity to prevent bending under normal conditions, it allows lateral deflection under high tensile loads to absorb energy, then returns to its original position, combining both rigidity and energy absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is pre-designed with elastic properties that allow it to act as a cushion against tensile forces. The element is configured to deflect laterally under load, absorbing the shock and stress before it can compromise the locking position or cause failure.
3Reliability
If the locking element is allowed to deflect laterally under load, then it can absorb tensile forces, but it may be forced out of its locking position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to deflect specifically in the lateral direction (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) while maintaining its axial locking position. This controlled deflection in another dimension allows energy absorption without compromising the primary locking function along the longitudinal axis.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the locking element have different functional properties: the locking portion maintains rigid engagement with the contact element to preserve locking position stability, while the body of the locking element is designed with elastic properties to allow lateral deflection for energy absorption.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the locking element is constrained to prevent lateral movement, then it maintains locking position, but it cannot absorb tensile forces through deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to deflect specifically in the lateral direction (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) while maintaining its axial locking position. This controlled deflection in another dimension allows energy absorption without compromising the primary locking function along the longitudinal axis.
Data Source
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Figure 5~7
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AI summary
The invention relates to a plug connector housing assembly (2), in particular for an electrical plug connector (1), comprising: a housing component (5) with at least one receiving chamber (6) for a contact element (3); and a securing element (7) which can be mounted in the housing component (5) in order to secure the contact element (3), in a mounted state within the receiving chamber (6), axially along a longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6). The housing component (5) has at least one cable-side end stop (13) for the securing element (7) in order to limit an axial movement of the securing element (7) along the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6), at least in the case of a tensile load (FZ) acting on the contact element (3). According to the invention, at least one first blocking means (14) is formed on the housing component (5) in order to limit a movement of the securing element (7), at least in the case of the tensile load (FZ), in at least one spatial direction (x, y) extending at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving chamber (6).