Electrical Connector Mounting Assembly With Sliding Panel Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector systems require bolted connections, which are time-consuming and require hardware, necessitating a need for a boltless and reliable connection method between electrical connectors and structures.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrical connector system featuring a housing with a sliding locking mechanism that secures to a panel using a wedge-like action, eliminating the need for bolts and providing a toolless mounting solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bolted connections are used to mount the electrical connector to the panel, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly time increases and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bolts and nuts from the mounting system, extracting the fastening function from separate hardware components and integrating it into the connector housing itself through the locking mechanism with movable locking elements
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism performs self-service by using its own movable locking elements that automatically engage with the panel opening when the housing is inserted, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations and hardware
2Reliability
If bolted connections are used to mount the electrical connector to the panel, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting function with the connector housing by integrating the locking mechanism directly into the housing structure, combining what were previously separate components (connector and fasteners) into a single integrated unit
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it contains the electrical contacts and simultaneously provides the mounting function through its integrated locking mechanism, making the housing a multi-functional component that eliminates the need for separate fastening hardware
3Productivity
If a locking mechanism with movable locking elements is used, then the assembly speed is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable locking elements are pre-positioned within the housing structure during manufacturing, ready to automatically engage with the panel opening upon insertion, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations and enabling rapid assembly
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
This solution enables a rapid, reliable, and secure boltless connection between the electrical connector and the panel, reducing assembly time and eliminating the need for hardware, while maintaining a sealed and rigid interface.
Implementation Method 1
The development of an electrical connector system featuring a housing with a sliding locking mechanism that secures to a panel using a wedge-like action
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a housing extending between a mating end and a mounting end configured to be mounted to a panel. A base of the housing is received in an opening in the panel and a flange of the housing is mounted to a first side of the panel. The electrical connector includes a contact assembly received in a cavity of the housing having a contact. The electrical connector includes a securing element extending from the housing located at a second side of the panel. The electrical connector includes a locking mechanism coupled to the securing element having a slide configured to interface with the second side of the panel to secure the housing to the panel and move in a sliding locking direction parallel to the second side from an unlocked position to a locked position. The locking mechanism interfaces with the securing element in the locked position to secure the housing to the panel.