Connector Assembly Position Assurance Slider Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies have complex structures, poor elasticity, and difficulty in frequent engagement and disengagement, leading to locking failures due to repeated assembly and disassembly, especially with plastic resilient locking tongues that are prone to fracture.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly featuring a first connector with a connector main body, an elastic latching member, and a position assurance slider, where the elastic latching member includes a latching hook and a position assurance slider that can adjust between locking and non-locking states, ensuring firm locking and easy separation by sliding in the front-rear direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resilient locking tongue is integrally formed to the housing and extends along two directions, then the connector can achieve locking function, but the structure becomes complicated and elasticity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate components: the resilient locking tongue is no longer integrally formed with the housing but is a separate element that can be independently replaced and has improved elasticity. The position assurance member is also separated into distinct parts including the elastic latching member and slider, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the others.
2Reliability
If a position assurance member is connected with the mating connector housing to achieve locking, then locking strength is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and frequent engagement/disengagement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The position assurance member incorporates a slider that can dynamically move between locked and unlocked positions along the longitudinal axis. The elastic latching member can flexibly deform to allow the slider to move, enabling easy engagement and disengagement while maintaining strong locking when engaged. The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection.
3Device complexity
If a plastic resilient locking tongue is used, then the structure is simple, but the locking tongue is prone to fracture after long term repeated assembling and disassembling
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient locking tongue is made from metal material instead of plastic, combining the simplicity of the original design with significantly improved durability and resistance to fatigue from repeated assembly and disassembly operations. The metal material provides both the required elasticity and the strength to withstand long-term use without fracturing.
4Shape
If the engagement member is hidden inside the structure, then the connector appearance is compact, but the resilient locking tongue elasticity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient locking tongue is extracted as a separate replaceable component rather than being hidden inside the housing structure. This allows the locking tongue to be made from metal material with superior elasticity while maintaining a compact overall connector appearance. The separate component can be easily replaced if worn or damaged.
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 provides a simple, robust, and reliable locking mechanism with improved elasticity and latching strength, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly while preventing unintentional disengagement, even under vibration, and extending the lifespan of the connectors.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic portion extending forwardly from the fixing portion... the elastic portion is suspended above the upper surface of the housing... pressing the elastic portion down, the latching connection between the latching hook and the latching aperture can be released
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a first connector, a second connector and an electrical connector assembly. The first connector includes a connector main body, an elastic latching member and a position assurance slider. A positioning post and two locking protrusions protrude from an upper surface of the housing of the connector main body; two locking protruding portions protrude from inner sides of the two locking protrusions respectively toward each other. The elastic portion of the elastic latching member is suspended above the upper surface of the housing. The position assurance slider is positioned between the housing and the elastic latching member and can slide in a front-rear direction; during sliding of the locking portion of the position assurance slider in the front-rear direction, the locking portion cooperates with the locking protruding portion so that the elastic latching member is in a locking state or a non-locking state; when the elastic latching member is in the locking state, the tongue of the position assurance slider is positioned below the elastic portion to block the elastic portion from moving downwardly, so that prevent unlatching of the latching hook. The present disclosure is simple in structure and can realize firm locking.