Connector Secondary Locking Device Inertia Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical connector assemblies require multiple steps for mating and locking, which is inefficient and may lead to unintentional loosening, and lack a straightforward method for verifying proper mating.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector assembly with a plug connector featuring a flexible leg for primary locking and a secondary locking device (SLD) with a flexible arm and jamming portion, allowing for inertia locking and automatic secondary locking upon full mating, enabling direct and secure mating and unmating with a single action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secondary locking device is added to ensure secure mating, then the reliability of connector coupling is improved, but the device complexity and number of steps required for mating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the secondary locking device with the connector housing into an integrated unit. The SLD is pre-installed on the connector housing and works together with the flexible leg and CPA device, eliminating the need for separate locking operations and reducing the mating procedure to a single direct action.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary locking device automatically engages when the connector is fully mated. The flexible arm is designed to be pushed into the locked position by the mating force itself, without requiring additional manual intervention. The system uses the energy from the mating action to perform the locking function automatically.
2Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are used to prevent unintentional loosening, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary locking device is pre-configured in an unlocked state where the flexible arm is positioned to allow free movement during approach. The locking action is prepared in advance but only engages automatically when the connector reaches the fully mated position, ensuring secure coupling without requiring the operator to perform separate locking steps.
3Measurement precision
If a CPA device is integrated to verify proper mating, then the measurement precision of mating status is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible arm of the secondary locking device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the locking mechanism and the CPA verification element. When the connector is properly mated, the flexible arm is pushed into the locked position, simultaneously performing the locking function and providing visual/physical verification through its position change, eliminating the need for a separate CPA device.
4Ease of operation
If the flexible arm of SLD is designed with high flexibility for easy actuation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of locking engagement may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible arm is designed with optimized material properties and geometric parameters that provide sufficient flexibility for easy actuation during unmating while maintaining adequate rigidity to ensure reliable locking engagement during mating. The flexibility and rigidity parameters are carefully balanced to satisfy both operational ease and locking reliability requirements.
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
Facilitates fast and secure mating and easy unmating while ensuring proper connection verification through inertia locking and integrated connector position assurance, reducing the risk of unintended loosening.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible leg of the connector housing and the flexible arm of the SLD are adapted to be in blocking contact when the flexible arm of the secondary locking device is not flexed
Implementation Method 2
allowing for inertia locking and automatic secondary locking upon full mating, enabling direct and secure mating and unmating with a single action
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrical connector assembly comprising a plug connector. The plug connector comprises a connector housing having a flexible leg. The plug connector further comprises a secondary locking device having a jamming portion a flexible arm, which is in blocking contact with the flexible leg when the plug connector is not mated with a corresponding counter connector. The plug connector thereby allows for direct mating with a corresponding counter connector, whereby the secondary locking device provides connector position assurance functionality.