Connector Position Assurance Member for Secure Electrical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors in wiring systems, such as vehicle wiring, face challenges in maintaining secure connections and preventing unintended disconnection, while also minimizing size and reducing undesirable noise and vibration effects like rattling, squeaking, and buzzing.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a connector position assurance member with a female housing and male housing, featuring a bridge that deforms elastically to provide tactile and auditory feedback upon coupling, along with anti-buzz, squeak, and rattle (BSR) effects reduction through lateral beams with protrusions, and a guide structure that prevents accidental decoupling, ensuring a strong and secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector uses a rigid locking mechanism to prevent disconnection, then connection security is improved, but the connector size increases and noise/vibration effects worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible bridge elements (124) that deform elastically during coupling and locking operations. These thin, flexible components provide the necessary mechanical action for secure connection while maintaining a compact connector overall size, avoiding the need for bulky rigid locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes dynamic, movable components including the deflecting arm (326) that moves between positions and the bridge (124) that deforms elastically. This dynamic approach allows the connector to achieve secure locking through motion and deformation rather than through large static structural elements.
2Reliability
If the connector uses traditional locking structures to resist disconnection, then connection security is improved, but noise and vibration effects like rattling and squeaking increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bridge (124) and deflecting arm (326) components are designed to move smoothly through their operational ranges, eliminating rigid-to-rigid contact that causes rattling and squeaking. The flexible nature of these components dampens vibrations while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses vibration issues by designing the locking mechanism to operate without inducing harmful vibrations. The elastic deformation of the bridge and the controlled movement of the deflecting arm create smooth mechanical transitions that minimize rattling and squeaking noises during coupling and operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the bridge is made rigid to maintain position, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to provide tactile and auditory feedback upon coupling is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge (124) is designed as a flexible element that can elastically deform during coupling. This flexibility allows the bridge to move and make contact with the deflecting arm (326) in a controlled manner, generating both tactile sensation and audible click feedback while still maintaining stable positioning when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible element that moves during coupling operations. This dynamic behavior enables the bridge to provide operational feedback through its movement and contact with other components, while elastic recovery maintains stable final positioning.
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 solution enhances connector position assurance, providing high resistance to decoupling, reducing noise and vibration issues, and maintaining a compact size, ensuring reliable and secure electrical connections in complex wiring systems.
Implementation Method 1
the bridge can be elastically deformed downward from its initial position
Implementation Method 2
anti-buzz, squeak, and rattle (BSR) effects reduction through lateral beams with protrusions
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector is provided. The electrical connector can include a female housing and a connector position assurance member forming a pre-installed assembly. A male housing of the electrical connector can receive the assembly. Coupling of the assembly and the male housing can permit movement of the connector position assurance member to a final lock position, thus providing connector position assurance to the electrical connector.