Connector Position Assurance Device Locking Lance Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assembly devices for motor vehicles lack reliable assurance of proper mating under conditions of shock and vibration, as they fail to securely maintain the connector position assurance (CPA) device in assembly and locking positions.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly device with a CPA device that includes a locking lance and secondary stops, implementing form-fitting connections in different planes to prevent movement between delivery and locking positions, ensuring secure engagement with complementary connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single locking lance is used to secure the CPA device, then the device structure remains simple, but the reliability of preventing movement under shock and vibration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lance is divided into multiple independent locking elements (first locking element and second locking element) that engage with corresponding locking features at different positions. This segmentation allows each element to independently prevent movement, thereby improving reliability without requiring a completely new complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking features are arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations on the locking lance. The first locking element engages with a locking feature at one position and orientation, while the second locking element engages with another locking feature at a different position and orientation. This multi-dimensional arrangement prevents movement in multiple directions simultaneously, enhancing reliability against shock and vibration from various sources.
2Reliability
If multiple locking elements are added to prevent movement in different directions, then reliability under vibration improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking elements are integrated into a single unified locking lance structure rather than being separate components. The locking lance combines the first locking element, second locking element, and associated features into one monolithic or closely integrated component, maintaining reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lance serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection, mechanical locking, and positional assurance for the CPA device. By making the locking lance multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated locking mechanisms, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the CPA device is made compact to meet motor vehicle space constraints, then space efficiency improves, but the ability to maintain secure engagement under vibration may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking features are distributed in three-dimensional space along the locking lance, engaging at different positions and orientations. This spatial distribution allows a compact overall design while maintaining multiple engagement points that collectively provide robust vibration resistance without increasing the device's external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lance and associated locking features are designed as an integrated composite structure that combines electrical contact elements with mechanical locking elements. This composite approach allows the same component to fulfill multiple functions in a space-efficient manner, maintaining secure engagement under vibration without requiring additional separate components that would increase volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly device includes a connector element and a connector position assurance (CPA) device mounted to move relative to the connector element between a delivery position and a locking position. The connector element includes a first locking device and a second locking device. The CPA device includes a locking lance that has an associated first locking device configured to implement a first form-fitting connection with the first locking device of the connector element and an associated second locking device configured to implement a second form-fitting connection with the second locking device of the connector element in the locking position. The form-fitting connections prevent any movement of the CPA device in a direction from the locking position towards the delivery position and take place in different planes.