Electrical Connector Slider With Integrated CPA for Secure Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies face challenges in ensuring secure connections, particularly when hand-inserted connectors are subject to packaging constraints or impractical lever engagement, leading to potential disconnections.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector assembly incorporating a slider with a telescopically sliding CPA element and barb catches that integrates a connector position assurance function, allowing for secure engagement without increasing overall volume and accommodating various wire routing orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a CPA element is added to ensure secure connection, then connection reliability is improved, but connector volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CPA element is integrated into the slider assembly, merging two previously separate components (CPA element and slider) into a unified structure. The CPA element is positioned within the slider's longitudinal space and shares the same engagement cavity, eliminating the need for additional separate CPA component space and reducing overall connector volume while maintaining connection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a lever is used to assist insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slider is designed with longitudinal mobility relative to the connector body, allowing it to move dynamically during the insertion process. The slider transitions from a retracted position to a forward position that engages the CPA element with the connector body, providing insertion assistance through controlled dynamic movement rather than a fixed lever mechanism.
3Productivity
If packaging space is minimized, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the connector body, the slider with CPA element, and the engagement lever. This segmentation allows the CPA element and slider to be compactly integrated within the connector body's longitudinal space, minimizing overall packaging volume while preserving the operational functionality of each component for ease of assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly with a connector body, a slider, and a connector position assurance (CPA) element. The connector body has a CPA engagement recess. The slider has spaced apart side walls configured to operatively engage and telescopically slide longitudinally relative to the connector body and an end wall. The end wall including a CPA cavity configured to be aligned with and located adjacent to the CPA engagement recess when the end wall is located in a fully seated position adjacent to the connector body. The CPA element retained by and longitudinally slidable with the slider and telescopically slidable in a lateral direction relative to the CPA cavity. The CPA element has a catch configured to operatively engage the CPA engagement recess when the end wall is in the fully seated position and the CPA element is laterally slid into the CPA cavity into a final lock position.