CPA Connector Assembly for Deformation-Resistant Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors without a connector position assurance (CPA) function face challenges when mating with connectors designed for CPA, leading to potential plastic deformation of arm portions during the mating process, which can result in permanent distortion and failure to restore the abutment portion's correct position relative to the stopper.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a housing with a stopper and a CPA member featuring a release projection and a second arm portion with a pressed portion and transmission portion, allowing the abutment portion to reposition correctly even after plastic deformation, ensuring proper alignment with the stopper when the CPA member moves from the regulation to the allowance position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector is designed with a CPA member and stopper for position assurance, then the connector can ensure proper mating position, but existing mating connectors without corresponding stopping portions cannot be properly mated
Solution Approach 1:
The release projection acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the CPA member's stopper and the mating connector's housing. During mating, the release projection temporarily engages with the housing to push the abutment portion away from the stopper, allowing the CPA member to move to the regulation position. This intermediary mechanism enables compatibility with existing connectors that lack specialized stopping portions while maintaining position assurance functionality.
2Reliability
If the release projection continuously contacts the mating connector housing during mating, then the CPA member can be positioned, but the arm portion supporting the release projection undergoes plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with a recess that preliminarily receives the release projection when the connector is in the regulation position. This preliminary positioning action prevents continuous deformation by establishing a stable engagement point, allowing the release projection to be pushed away from the housing during mating without causing plastic deformation to the arm portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess in the housing beforehand cushions the engagement of the release projection, providing a controlled deformation path that prevents excessive stress on the arm portion. This prior preparation of the housing structure absorbs the mating forces and prevents permanent distortion of the CPA member's arm portion.
3Reliability
If the abutment portion continuously faces the stopper during CPA member movement, then position regulation is maintained, but the connector cannot mate with existing connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment portion's orientation is made dynamic rather than fixed. During mating, the abutment portion can rotate from facing the stopper to a non-facing position, allowing the CPA member to move freely. After mating is complete, the abutment portion returns to facing the stopper to maintain position regulation. This dynamic adjustment enables both mating capability and position assurance.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation parameter of the abutment portion is changed during the mating process. By allowing the abutment portion to rotate and change its facing direction, the system transitions from a state where position regulation is active to a state where mating is enabled, and then back again after mating is complete.
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 reliable mating with both CPA-designed and non-CPA-designed connectors, preventing permanent distortion of the arm portion and ensuring the abutment portion faces the stopper correctly, maintaining connector functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the repositioning portion presses the pressed portion by a pressing force and the transmission portion transmits the pressing force to at least one of the first arm portion and the distal end portion and thereby the abutment portion is repositioned to the facing position
Data Source
AI summary
A connector comprises a housing and a connector position assurance (CPA) member. The housing is provided with a repositioning portion, a lock portion and a stopper. The CPA member has a base end portion, a regulating portion, a first arm portion, a distal end portion and a second arm portion. The distal end portion is provided with an abutment portion. The abutment portion is selectively positionable at a facing position or at a non-facing position. At least one of the first arm portion and the distal end portion is provided with a release projection. The release projection projects in a perpendicular direction from the at least one of the first arm portion and the distal end portion. Upon connection of the connector with a mating connector, the release projection is pushed by a mating release portion and moves the abutment portion from the facing position to the non-facing position.