Electrical Connector Securing Tab for Lock Sleeve Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors are vulnerable to unintentional disconnection by laypeople due to easy access to the primary locking mechanism, which compromises the secure connection between the electrical connector and its complementary counterpart.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a securing tab that is inserted into a gap between the housing and primary locking sleeve, preventing the primary locking sleeve from moving to the release position unless the securing tab is removed, combined with a biasing mechanism to ensure the primary locking sleeve remains in the locked position and a secondary securing element to prevent accidental removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the primary locking sleeve is made easily accessible for operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to unintentional disconnection by laypeople
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent parts: the primary locking sleeve for operational control and the securing tab for security. The securing tab is inserted into a gap between the housing and primary locking sleeve, creating a physical barrier that prevents unauthorized movement while allowing intentional actuation when the tab is removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing tab acts as an intermediary element between the operator and the primary locking sleeve. It mediates access to the locking mechanism by physically blocking the gap, thereby preventing direct interaction with the primary locking sleeve unless the securing tab is first removed.
2Reliability
If the gap between housing and primary locking sleeve is reduced for security, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in inserting securing tab
Solution Approach 1:
The gap structure exhibits local quality variation: it is narrow in the radial direction to prevent unauthorized access, but wide in the axial direction to facilitate easy insertion of the securing tab. This localized differentiation allows the same gap structure to simultaneously provide security and ease of assembly.
3Reliability
If the primary locking sleeve is pre-stressed towards locked position, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional biasing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element provides self-service by automatically maintaining the primary locking sleeve in the locked position without requiring external intervention. The elastic force generated by the biasing element continuously acts to keep the locking mechanism engaged, ensuring reliability without adding complex control systems.
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
Enhances the security of electrical connections by preventing unintentional disengagement, ensuring a stable and sealed connection even when accessed by laypeople, and requiring tools for disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
the primary locking sleeve may be pre-stressed towards the locked position, e.g. via at least one biasing element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical connector (1) comprising a housing (2) having a receptacle (4), the receptacle (4) being open in a connection direction (S) arranged essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) for receiving a complementary connector (6). The electrical connector (1) further comprises a primary locking sleeve (8), which sits on the housing (2) and is held movable relative to the housing (2) between a locked position (10) for securing the electrical connector (1) to the complementary connector (6), and a release position (12) for connecting or disconnecting the electrical connector (1) and complementary connector (6). At least in the locked position (10) a gap (14) having a gap width (X) is provided between the housing (2) and the primary locking sleeve (8), the gap width (X) decreasing from the locked position (10) to the release position (12). A securing tab (16) is provided, the securing tab (16) being adapted to be inserted into the gap (14) for securing the primary locking sleeve (8) in the locked position (10), when the securing tab (16) is in an inserted state (18), in which the securing tab (16) is inserted into the gap (14).