Connector Position Assurance Mechanism for Downsized Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors with a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) function require additional space for the deflection of sliding member arms, leading to increased dimensions, which hinders downsizing while maintaining the CPA functionality.

Innovation Solution

The connector design incorporates a sliding member with deflectable arms that reduce the gap between locking arms upon depression, allowing the sliding member to pass through a slide channel, and includes a protrusion to restrict sliding until the engagement catch is latched, eliminating the need for additional space in the second housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sliding member includes a pair of arms each provided with a pawl that deflects in the spreading direction during sliding action, then the connector position assurance function is achieved, but the dimension of the second housing increases due to the required space for arm deflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector position assurance functionVSAvoiddimension of second housing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the arms deflect outward (spreading direction) during sliding, the patent inverts the deflection direction so that the arms deflect inward (toward each other) when depressed by the locking arm. This allows the arms to pass through the slide channel without requiring additional space in the spreading direction, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving CPA function and minimizing housing dimension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the dimensionality of the deflection movement by transitioning from a two-dimensional spreading motion (increasing gap between arms) to a one-dimensional compressive motion (decreasing gap between arms) along the sliding axis. This dimensional change allows the arms to achieve the necessary movement for CPA function while fitting within the constrained space of the slide channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the arms are designed to deflect in the spreading direction to enable latching action, then the CPA function is accomplished, but the overall connector size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching actionVSAvoidoverall connector size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional latching mechanism by having the arms deflect inward rather than outward during operation. The latching action is achieved through the arms being pushed together by the locking arm's depression, rather than by the arms spreading apart. This inversion maintains the latching functionality while reducing the overall connector volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of arm deflection from positive (spreading) to negative (compressing). By reversing the direction of deflection, the mechanism achieves the same latching effect with reduced spatial requirements, thereby decreasing the overall connector volume while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design achieves downsizing of the connector while maintaining the CPA function by eliminating the need for space corresponding to arm deflection, enhancing the connector's compactness and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the pair of arms are deflected so as to decrease a gap therebetween by depressions from the respective locking arms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10014620B2Downsizing of a connector having a connector position assurance function

Publication Date: 2018.07.03 I PEX CO LTD

AI summary

A connector includes an outer housing including an engagement catch, an inner housing and a sliding member. The inner housing includes an engagement latch, and a pair of locking arms each provided with the engagement latch. The inner housing includes a slide channel having the pair of locking arms disposed at both sides. The sliding member includes a pair of latching arms each provided with a latch. When the first housing and the second housing are engaged with each other, the first housing and the second housing allow the sliding member to pass through the slide channel, and when the sliding member slides the slide channel, the pair of latching arms are deflected so as to decrease a gap therebetween by depressions from the respective locking arms.