Electrical Connector Snap-Lock Mechanism for Vibration-Resistant Panel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection assemblies face difficulties in easily and securely engaging electrical connectors with panels without requiring crimping, shrinking, or screw-fastening, and often need additional parts like nuts for locking, which complicates the process and may lead to vibration noise due to loose connections.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection assembly featuring a panel with first and second abutment elements and a connector with a locking portion that snap-fastens past the abutment elements upon turning, providing a secure lock without additional parts and ensuring an effective ground connection through an enlarged conductive portion, while a clamping surface eliminates vibration noise by pressing against the panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening methods (crimping, shrinking, screw-fastening) are used to secure the connector to the panel, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation and manufacturing complexity deteriorate due to requiring additional tools and parts
Solution Approach 1:
The connector performs its own locking action through a turning movement that causes the locking portion to snap-fasten past the abutment element, eliminating the need for external fastening tools or additional locking parts. The system serves itself by using the connector's own structure to achieve secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, crimping tools, shrinking devices) with a snap-fastening mechanism based on elastic deformation and geometric interlocking. The locking portion deforms elastically to pass the abutment element and then locks in place, substituting complex mechanical fastening with a simpler elastic-mechanical system.
2Reliability
If additional parts like nuts are used for locking the connector to the panel, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to requiring separate locking components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the connector body itself. The locking portion is an integral part of the connector that performs both connection and locking functions, eliminating the need for separate locking parts like nuts. The abutment element on the panel and the locking portion on the connector work together as an integrated locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking portion serves multiple functions: it provides the ground connection through the enlarged conductive portion, enables the turning movement for locking, and performs the snap-fastening action to secure the connector. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated separate parts for each function.
3Ease of operation
If the connector is designed to float relative to the panel in rotation and translation, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the connection stability deteriorates due to potential loose connections and vibration noise
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is first inserted in a floating state to allow easy alignment and assembly, then the turning movement is performed to engage the locking portion with the abutment element. This preliminary insertion followed by locking action ensures both ease of assembly and subsequent stability, preventing vibration noise and loose connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a dynamic floating state during assembly to a static locked state during operation. The turning movement initiates the transition, causing the locking portion to snap into place against the abutment element, thereby converting the floating connection into a stable, vibration-resistant locked connection.
4Reliability
If a turning movement is required to lock the connector, then the locking reliability is improved through progressive torque application, but the ease of operation worsens due to requiring rotational manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The turning movement causes the locking portion to rapidly snap through the abutment element in a single snapping action rather than requiring gradual threading or multiple adjustment steps. This snapping through mechanism completes the locking in one swift motion, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable locking through progressive torque application during the turn.
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
Enables quick and secure engagement of the connector to the panel without additional parts, ensuring a reliable ground connection and reducing vibration noise through progressive torque application during locking, thus enhancing the assembly's efficiency and stability.
Implementation Method 1
the locking portion arranged to go past, in particular by snap-fastening, the first abutment element of the panel as a result of the connector performing a turning movement relative to the panel
Implementation Method 2
the connector having an enlarged portion arranged to press against a first face of the panel when the connector is engaged therewith
Implementation Method 3
the locking portion of the connector includes a locking surface arranged to press against the first abutment element when the connector is turned relative to the panel for locking purposes
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connection assembly may include:a panel including at least one opening; andan electrical connector configured to be engaged through the opening of the panel. The connector may include an enlarged portion configured to press against a first face of the panel when the connector is engaged therewith. The panel may include at least first and second abutment elements. The first abutment element may project from a second face of the panel opposite from the first face. The connector may include at least one locking portion configured to go past, in particular by snap-fastening, the first abutment element of the panel as a result of the connector performing a turning movement relative to the panel to enable the connector to be locked to the panel. The connector may be configured to be held stationary relative to the panel by pressing against the first and second abutment elements.