Connector Element Second Contact Securing Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector elements face difficulties in securely retaining contact elements in their end position and verifying correct seating, leading to potential removal and assembly issues.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a securing member with a catch element and locking face that supplements the primary engagement, allowing for additional securing and verification of contact element position, and increasing the force required for removal by engaging with the retention portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single locking member is used to secure the contact element, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of securing the contact element against removal is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking member and securing member into a single integrated component. The locking member has both a catch element for engaging the contact element and a securing portion with a locking face that interacts with the retention portion. This merging provides dual securing functions (locking and securing) through one component, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a locking mechanism (via the catch element engaging the contact element) and a securing mechanism (via the locking face engaging the retention portion). This multi-functionality allows a single component to provide enhanced securing reliability while avoiding the need for separate additional securing components.
2Reliability
If the locking member alone secures the contact element, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to verify correct seating is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking face on the locking member provides tactile and visual feedback when the contact element is correctly inserted. As the contact element is inserted, the locking face engages with the retention portion, creating a distinct engagement sensation and position that confirms correct seating. This feedback mechanism allows users to verify proper assembly without additional verification components.
3Reliability
If only primary engagement by locking member is used, then the manufacturing precision requirements are lower, but the security against removal is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is segmented into distinct functional regions: a catch element for primary locking engagement and a securing portion with a locking face for secondary securing engagement. The retention portion on the contact element is similarly segmented with an engagement region for the catch element and a separate region for the locking face. This segmentation allows each engagement point to be optimized independently, providing enhanced removal resistance without requiring excessively high precision in any single engagement point.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrical connector element (1) having at least one contact receiving member (7) for an electrical contact element (100) which can be inserted in an insertion direction (E) as far as its end position (F) into the at least one contact receiving member (7), having a locking member (9) by means of which the contact element (100) in its locking position (L) can be secured in the end position (F) against being removed from the at least one contact receiving member (7) counter to the insertion direction (E), and having a securing member (13) which retains the locking member (9) in the locking position (L) in its securing position (B). In order to better secure the contact elements (100) against being removed from the contact receiving members (7), there is provision according to the invention for the securing member (13) in the securing position (B) to at least partially protrude into the at least one contact receiving member (7) and consequently for the contact element (100) to be able to be additionally secured against being removed from the at least one contact receiving member (7) counter to the insertion direction (E).