Connector Mating Housing With U-Shaped Locking for Tool-Free Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mating assistance devices for electrical connectors in aerospace applications are heavy, costly, and require tools for assembly, making them unsuitable for lightweight and cost-effective cabin applications.
Innovation Solution
A tool-free, lightweight mating assistance device with a one-piece molded plastic housing and U-shaped locking brackets that facilitate the sealing of electrical connectors through a displacement mechanism, eliminating the need for external tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mating assistance devices are used, then the electrical connectors can be connected, but the device is heavy and requires tools for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated housing structure. The housing integrates the pushing elements, locking mechanisms, and connector guides into one piece, eliminating the need for separate tool components and reducing overall device weight while maintaining tool-free operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs self-contained pushing elements and locking mechanisms that operate without external tools. The housing structure itself provides the necessary mechanical advantage through integrated levers and cam mechanisms, making the device self-sufficient and eliminating tool requirements
2Ease of manufacture
If machined parts are used in mating assistance devices, then the connection can be achieved, but the device is costly and not lightweight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from machined metal parts to molded plastic construction. This parameter change in material selection and manufacturing process enables cost-effective production through injection molding while maintaining structural integrity and achieving lightweight design suitable for aerospace applications
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed as a single-use, molded plastic component that is inexpensive to manufacture and replace. This approach prioritizes low cost and lightweight properties over long-term durability, accepting that the housing may be discarded after one connection cycle
3Productivity
If a U-shaped bracket with inclined arms is used, then the connector can be pushed into the housing, but the bracket must be movable
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed as a movable component that transitions from a retracted position to an engaged position. This dynamic movement allows the inclined arms to effectively push connectors into the housing while maintaining a simple overall structure that does not require complex actuation 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 device simplifies the assembly of electrical connectors, reduces assembly costs, and meets the altitude immersion requirements of aerospace applications without the need for tools.
Implementation Method 1
The displacement of the connector pushing element between the unlocked position to the locked position allows to move the electrical connectors towards the inside of the housing
Implementation Method 2
The inclined trajectory of the connector pushing element can exercise a force onto the electrical connector to move it further into the housing and to achieve the necessary sealing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a mating assistance device (1) for electrical connectors (43, 45) comprising a housing (3) with at least one opening (9, 11) for receiving an electrical connector (43, 45), and at least one locking device (5, 7) movable between an unlocked and a locked position with respect to the housing (3), the at least one locking device (5, 7) further comprising at least one connector pushing element (15, 17), wherein the at least one locking device (5, 7), when moved from the unlocked to the locked position, is configured such that the at least one connector pushing element (15, 17) is displaceable in the direction of insertion (A) of an electrical connector (43, 45) into the housing (3).