Power Connector Slider Lock with Tool-Release Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power connection systems for motor vehicles are vulnerable to unauthorized disconnection under high voltage and suffer from unprotected buttons that can be unintentionally broken.
Innovation Solution
The locking mechanism for the slider is protected by a slider wall, accessible only through a tool-operated aperture, eliminating the need for a button that can be pressed or broken.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a button is used to unlock the slider, then the operation is simple and direct, but the button can be unintentionally pressed or broken and is accessible to unauthorized users
Solution Approach 1:
A tool is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. The tool must be inserted through an aperture to actuate the locking element, preventing direct access to the button while maintaining the ability to unlock when needed. This mediator protects the system from unauthorized or accidental operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vulnerable button is removed from the system and replaced with a tool-actuated mechanism. The extraction of the button eliminates the weakness of direct manual access while preserving the core function of unlocking through a different, more secure interface.
2Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is made accessible for easy operation, then the unlocking function is simple, but the mechanism is vulnerable to damage and unauthorized use
Solution Approach 1:
The slider wall acts as a protective shell that encloses the locking mechanism. An aperture in this shell allows controlled access for the tool while maintaining the protective barrier against unauthorized access and damage. The shell structure balances protection with necessary accessibility.
3Reliability
If a protective wall is added around the locking mechanism, then protection against damage and unauthorized access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective wall is merged with the existing slider structure rather than being added as a separate component. The slider wall integrates the protective function into the existing movable component, avoiding additional parts while maintaining protection of the locking mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Electrical connector (2) comprising - a housing (4, 5) for accommodating at least two electrical power terminals (7), each power terminal (7) having a mating portion extending longitudinally in a mating direction (MD), - a mate assist slider (11) slidably mounted on the housing (4, 5) so as to slide in a sliding direction (SD), between an unlocking position and a locking position, - locking means (17) comprising a first locking element (18) integral with the housing (4, 5) and a second locking element (19) integral with the slider (11), the first (18) and second (19) locking elements engaging each other in the locking position of the slider (11) so as to lock the slider (11) in the locking position. The first (18) and second (19) locking elements are both located inside the slider (11), behind a protecting wall. An aperture (24) is made through said protecting wall, so that a tool (100) inserted, through said aperture (24), allows to release the first (18) and second (19) locking elements, from each other.