Connector Locking Device Using Wedge Surfaces and Elastic Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-pull connectors are complex and costly due to their multi-part design, leading to high manufacturing costs and limited compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A locking device for connectors comprising two locking halves with a resilient U-shaped latching means and wedge surfaces, allowing for secure mechanical contact and easy assembly from a minimal number of parts, enabling adjustable locking force and orientation independence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-part design with actuating means surrounding the connector is used, then mechanical locking and unlocking functionality is achieved, but the number of individual parts increases and manufacturing complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking and unlocking functionality into a single integrated locking device that forms part of the connector housing. The locking device includes a locking element with a locking projection and a locking recess, eliminating the need for separate actuating means surrounding the connector. This consolidation reduces the number of individual parts while maintaining reliable mechanical locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to be universally applicable to different connector types. The locking element can be configured in various ways (locking projection on one side, locking recess on the other, or vice versa) to accommodate different connector embodiments, making a single design suitable for multiple applications without requiring separate actuating mechanisms for each variant.
2Ease of operation
If a multi-part design with specific embodiment-specific actuating means is used, then push-pull locking and unlocking is achieved, but production complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and unlocking functions are combined into a single passive locking device integrated into the connector housing. The locking element responds to insertion and extraction forces without requiring separate actuating means, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining ease of operation through the natural push-pull motion of connector engagement and disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device operates automatically through the mechanical forces of connector insertion and extraction. The locking element engages automatically during insertion and disengages during extraction without requiring separate actuating mechanisms or additional operational steps, making the system self-servicing and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If embodiment-specific locking devices are used, then secure mechanical connection is achieved, but adaptability to different connector types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed with universal applicability through configurable locking elements. The locking projection and locking recess can be positioned on different sides (first or second side) of the locking device, allowing the same basic design to accommodate various connector types and embodiments while maintaining secure mechanical connection through the same fundamental locking mechanism.
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 simplifies production, reduces costs, and ensures secure mechanical locking while maintaining ease of handling and compatibility across various connector types.
Implementation Method 1
The locking means is expediently made of a resilient material, for example metal or plastic... The resilient latching means is a substantially U-shaped element... Depending on the strength and material properties of the wire, the locking force of the locking device can be adjusted.
Implementation Method 2
The outer sleeve has at least one, preferably two pairs of wedge surfaces. These are arranged on the inside of the outer sleeve in such a way that when the outer sleeve is moved relative to the inner sleeve, the wedge surfaces act on the locking means or means.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking apparatus (1) for plug connectors (4), comprising at least one first locking half (2) and at least one second locking half (3), wherein the first locking half (2) is formed from an inner sleeve (21) and an outer sleeve (22), wherein the outer sleeve (22) can be moved in a linear manner against a plugging direction towards the inner sleeve (21), and wherein the second locking half (3) is formed from a further sleeve (31) which can be inserted into the inner sleeve (21) of the first locking half (2), and wherein the first locking half (2) has at least one associated latching means which acts on an inserted sleeve (31) through at least one latching opening (23) in the inner sleeve (21).