Connector Position Assurance Device for Secure Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems lack a reliable mechanism to ensure secure engagement and locking of male and female connector assemblies during transport and assembly, which can lead to misalignment and improper connection.
Innovation Solution
A connector position assurance (CPA) device is introduced, which can be engaged in a pre-lock position with the female connector assembly before transport and further secured in a full-lock position upon connection, utilizing a two-component locking system with teeth and curved upper regions to ensure proper alignment and locking of the male and female connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the CPA device is engaged in a pre-lock position with the female connector assembly before transport, then the CPA device is available to connect to the female connector assembly, but the connector assemblies may become misaligned or improperly connected during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The CPA device is pre-engaged with the female connector assembly before transport, performing the locking action in advance. This preliminary action ensures the CPA device is positioned and ready, while the alignment features guide proper positioning during the subsequent connection process
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment features act as intermediaries between the male and female connector assemblies, facilitating proper positioning and alignment during the connection process. These features mediate the interaction between the two connector halves, ensuring they align correctly before final locking occurs
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to ensure secure engagement of connector assemblies, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CPA device combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides the locking mechanism, incorporates alignment features, and ensures connector position assurance all in one device. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The CPA device serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a locking mechanism to secure the connection, provides alignment features to ensure proper positioning, and offers connector position assurance to verify correct engagement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Data Source
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AI summary
Connector apparatus having a male connector assembly, a female connector assembly, and a connector position assurance (CPA) device. The connector position assurance (CPA) device is inserted into one of the connector assemblies to lock the male connector assembly and female connector assembly together as an additional locking assurance.