Panel-Mounted Electrical Connector With Spring-Loaded Wing Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies mounted to panels often require hardware, increasing construction time and cost, and are prone to inadvertent disengagement due to exposed projection mechanisms that can be triggered during normal use.
Innovation Solution
A slide-and-lock type electrical connector assembly that uses a latch element and wing member mechanism, where the connector body moves alongside the panel from an inserted position to a locked position, engaging a latch element without external hardware, and includes a tab and wing member configuration to secure the assembly without exposing the release mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardware (screws, clips, pins) is used to attach the receptacle to the panel, then the mounting strength and reliability are improved, but the construction time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly performs its own mounting function through the spring-loaded arm mechanism that automatically engages with the panel recess, eliminating the need for external hardware and manual fastening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, pins) with a spring-loaded mechanical engagement system that uses elastic deformation and stored energy to achieve secure mounting without additional fasteners
2Loss of time
If no hardware is used to attach the receptacle to the panel, then the construction time and cost are reduced, but the receptacle may inadvertently disengage during normal use
Solution Approach 1:
The arm projection features a curved or rounded tip that fits into a corresponding recess in the panel, creating a snap-fit engagement that prevents inadvertent disengagement while maintaining easy installation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded arm changes its physical state between flexed (during insertion) and locked (during operation), using elastic deformation to provide both easy installation and secure retention without hardware
3Device complexity
If the arm projection engages the interior surface before lateral movement, then the mounting mechanism is simpler, but the stored energy in the arm makes mounting more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The arm projection is pre-loaded with stored energy in the relaxed position, and this stored energy is utilized during the mounting process to automatically snap the connector into place, reducing the force required by the operator
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting process skips the intermediate step of manual positioning and alignment by using the spring-loaded arm to rapidly snap the connector assembly into its final positioned state, reducing the overall mounting effort
4Device complexity
If the projection is exposed to the surrounding exterior, then the mounting mechanism is simpler, but the projection may be inadvertently triggered causing disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The arm projection is nested within a recess or cavity in the connector body, with only a small portion exposed, creating a protected engagement mechanism that resists inadvertent triggering while maintaining the snap-fit mounting function
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 provides a secure, hardware-free mounting mechanism that reduces the risk of disengagement and simplifies the mounting process, making it easier to attach the connector assembly to a panel while maintaining stability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The wing member is configured to flex away from the first side when the end portion engages the latch element
Implementation Method 2
the wing member resile toward the first side when the latch opening receives the latch element
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly for mounting to a panel. The panel includes a latch element that projects outward from a first side of the panel. The connector assembly includes a connector body that has a mating end configured to interface with the panel and mate with another electrical connector through the cut-out. The connector assembly also includes at least one tab extending away from the body. The tab is oriented to engage a second side of the panel. Also, the connector assembly includes a wing member that extends away from the body and is oriented to move along the first side when moved in a locking direction. The wing member includes an end portion and a latch opening. The wing member is configured to flex away from the first side and resile toward the first side and engage the latch element.