Connector Position Assurance Device Preventing Half-Mating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connector position assurance devices fail to prevent 'half-mating' connections, are not pre-set, can unexpectedly disengage, and apply permanent stress, making them unsuitable for small connectors.

Innovation Solution

A connector position assurance device featuring a base panel with a latch assembly comprising flexible arms that move between relaxed and flexed states, forming a channel to securely engage with connector housings, preventing 'half-mating' and ensuring secure, pre-set connections without permanent stress, suitable for compact designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional connector position assurance devices are used, then connector engagement is provided, but they apply permanent stress and cannot prevent half-mating connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector engagement reliabilityVSAvoidpermanent stress and half-mating connections

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The latch assembly transitions from a static conventional design to a dynamic system where the latch member can move between engaged and disengaged states. The resilient member provides dynamic response to mating forces, allowing the device to adapt to proper connector engagement while rejecting improper half-mating attempts through movement rather than permanent stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the stress state parameter from permanent to temporary by introducing a resilient member that elastically deforms during engagement. The latch member position parameter changes from fixed to variable, allowing it to respond to mating forces and indicate proper engagement only when both connectors are fully mated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional connector position assurance devices are used, then connector engagement is provided, but they are not pre-set and can unexpectedly disengage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector engagement reliabilityVSAvoidpre-set capability and unexpected disengagement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch assembly is pre-configured in a ready state where the latch member is positioned to engage with the protrusion on the mating connector. The resilient member is pre-loaded to provide immediate engagement force, allowing the device to be pre-set on one connector before mating occurs, eliminating unexpected disengagement through proper preliminary positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If conventional connector position assurance devices are used, then connector engagement is provided, but the design is complex and wide making it unsuitable for small connectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector engagementVSAvoiddesign complexity and size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the latch member for engagement, the resilient member for force application, and the base for mounting. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity and size while maintaining reliable connector engagement functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The latch member is positioned within the confines of the base structure, with the resilient member nested between the latch member and the base. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall footprint of the device, making it suitable for small connectors while maintaining all necessary engagement functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 effectively prevents 'half-mating' connections, remains secure without applying permanent stress, and is designed for small connectors with a compact, simple shape, ensuring reliable engagement and preventing unexpected disengagement.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient member having opposite ends, a first end and a second end. The resilient member is biased to a disengaged state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20090023325A1Connector position assurance device and connector assembly apparatus incorporating the same

Publication Date: 2009.01.22 JST CORP

AI summary

A connector position assurance device includes a base panel member and a latch assembly connected to and extending perpendicularly and forwardly from the base panel member. The latch assembly has a first flexible arm and a second flexible arm disposed in a juxtaposed manner relative to one another on opposing sides of a longitudinal axis. Each one of the first and second flexible arms is operative to move between a normal relaxed state and a flexed state generally in a lateral direction with the first and second flexible arms being resiliently biased to the normal relaxed state. The first flexible arm has a talon portion at a first flexible arm distal end thereof and the second flexible arm has a guiding projection at a second flexible arm distal end thereof. A connector assembly apparatus includes a first connector housing, a second connector housing and the connector position assurance device.