Electrical Connector Sliding Locking Element Prevents Unintentional Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors in the automotive sector face challenges with the aging of security elements under mechanical and thermal loads, leading to brittleness and potential failure, which can result in unintentional unlocking of plug connections.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a safety element that slides between a feed position and a safety position, blocking the locking mechanism to prevent unintentional unlocking, and is mechanically tense in a pre-protection position to ensure secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plastic locking element is subjected to permanent mechanical stress to prevent accidental unlocking, then the connector achieves secure locking, but the locking element becomes brittle and breaks over time due to aging
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate elements: a locking element that provides the locking function and a securing element that prevents unlocking. This segmentation allows each element to have optimized mechanical properties - the locking element can be flexible while the securing element provides permanent protection without undergoing repeated stress cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is positioned in advance to block the locking device before any accidental unlocking can occur. By pre-positioning the securing element in the blocking path, the system prevents the need for the locking element to withstand repeated stress cycles that would cause brittleness over time.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If alternative securing elements are designed to reduce mechanical stress on the locking element, then the service life increases, but the device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is integrated with the locking device as a single component rather than being a separate assembly. This merging reduces the overall device complexity while still providing the function of reducing mechanical stress on the locking element, thereby extending service life without adding unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is designed to be self-positioning and self-securing within the locking device. It automatically blocks the locking mechanism in the secured state without requiring additional installation steps or complex adjustment mechanisms, reducing both device complexity and installation complexity while extending service life.
3Reliability
If the securing element is positioned to block the locking device in the locking position, then unintentional unlocking is prevented, but the fitting process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is designed to be dynamically positionable during the fitting process. It can be moved to different positions (blocked or unblocked) depending on the connection state, allowing for easy fitting and installation while still providing reliable prevention of unintentional unlocking when in the blocked position.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element's position parameter is changed during fitting to enable or disable the blocking function. By allowing the securing element to be positioned in different states (blocked/unblocked), the fitting process becomes simpler while maintaining the reliability of preventing unintentional unlocking when properly secured.
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 enhances the fitting and lifespan of electrical connectors by reducing mechanical stress on the safety element, preventing premature aging and ensuring reliable secure locking even under high mechanical loads.
Implementation Method 1
the securing element is arranged in the connector housing in the pre-locking position in such a way that the securing element is mechanically clamped and in the securing position in such a way that the securing element is mechanically completely relaxed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical connector (1) comprising a connector housing (2), a locking device (5) for locking the connector (1) to a corresponding mating electrical connector (6), and a locking element (12) that is slidable between a pre-locked position and a locked position. The locking element (12) blocks the locking device (5) in the locked position to prevent the mating connector (6) from being unlocked. The connector housing (2) is provided with a guide (14) along which the locking element (12) can be slid from outside the connector housing (2) towards the longitudinal axis (L) of the connector housing (2) into the pre-locked position.