Motor Vehicle Connector Lever Locking via Integrated Pin Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing connectors for motor vehicles with large-section cables poses a challenge in accommodating a pin guide mechanism within the limited ergonomic, size, and molding constraints, making it difficult to lock the lever in the coupling position effectively.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of pin guide means that limit deflections in two perpendicular directions, allowing for a shorter pin and incorporating a hook or latch to lock the lever, which are integrated into the cable guide cover without interfering with the cables, facilitating easier design and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin guide mechanism is used to lock the lever in the coupling position, then the connector achieves secure locking, but the connector size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pin guide means are integrated into the cable guide cover, merging the locking mechanism with the existing cable protection structure. This eliminates the need for separate guide components and reduces overall connector volume while maintaining secure pin guidance and lever locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable guide cover serves dual functions: it protects and guides cables while also housing the pin guide means for lever locking. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, decreasing connector complexity and volume while ensuring reliable locking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cable guide cover is enlarged to accommodate large cross-section cables, then cables with larger bend radius can be routed, but the space available for pin guide means is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pin guide means are merged with the cable guide cover structure itself, utilizing the cover's walls and surfaces to provide guidance. This integration allows the pin guide functionality to coexist with the enlarged cable guide cover design, accommodating both large cables and locking mechanism within the same space.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin guide means are positioned on external surfaces of the cable guide cover, utilizing specific localized areas that do not interfere with the internal cable passage space. This allows the cover to be enlarged for cable accommodation while maintaining adequate space for pin guidance in specific localized regions.
3Reliability
If pin guide means are placed inside the cable guide cover, then they are protected, but they interfere with the cables passing through the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The pin guide means are extracted from the internal cable passage area and positioned on external surfaces of the cable guide cover. This separation ensures that cables can pass through the cover without interference from the guide means, while the external positioning still provides adequate protection and guidance for the pin.
4Reliability
If a longer pin is used to ensure proper engagement, then locking reliability improves, but the pin occupies more of the connector's length
Solution Approach 1:
The pin guide means are positioned to provide effective guidance over a compact distance, allowing a shorter pin to achieve proper engagement. The guide surfaces are arranged to maximize guidance effectiveness within a limited length, reducing the pin length needed while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin guide means are integrated into the cable guide cover structure, providing guidance functionality within the existing cover dimensions. This integration allows the pin to be shorter since the guide structure is already present in the connector assembly, eliminating the need for additional length to accommodate separate guide components.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (100) for motor vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to a connector comprising a terminal-bearing housing, a cable-guide cover (140) and a lever (120) assisting the coupling. The cable-guide cover (140) comprises a catch (190) for keeping the lever (120) in the coupling position. A pin is inserted on the cable-guide cover (140), under the catch (160), to immobilize the latter and lock the lever (120) in the coupling position. The cable-guide cover (140) has an orifice (146) through which the pin is introduced and at least one rail (171, 172, 173) for guiding the pin as it is inserted and for holding it in position.