CPA Element Latch Deflection for Electrical Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with connector position assurance (CPA) members are prone to premature actuation from the pre-lock to the lock position due to external forces, leading to potential damage and failure to ensure proper mating, especially with the trend of reducing connector sizes and component weaknesses.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design includes a CPA element with a base and arm that engages a latch, deflecting it until it abuts a landing pad within the housing, preventing further movement to the lock position unless fully mated, thus providing sensory feedback and preventing premature actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the CPA member is made movable between pre-lock and lock positions to indicate proper mating, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to premature actuation from external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the stop feature to preemptively counteract premature actuation forces before they can move the CPA member from the pre-lock to lock position. The stop feature creates a mechanical barrier that opposes and neutralizes external forces (such as accidental pushes during mating or forces during shipping) that would otherwise cause unreliable premature actuation, while still allowing intentional operator actuation when properly mated.
2Volume of moving object
If the connector size is reduced to meet miniaturization trends, then the volume is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to weaker stop features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating structural strength specifically at the stop feature location where it is most needed to prevent premature CPA member actuation. Rather than uniformly increasing the size of all connector components, the design provides localized reinforcement at the critical stop feature, allowing the overall connector to remain miniaturized while maintaining reliability at the specific point of vulnerability.
3Reliability
If the stop feature is made stronger to prevent premature actuation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the stop feature directly into the existing connector housing structure rather than adding it as a separate, independent component. The stop feature is formed as part of the housing itself, combining the housing structural function with the stop function, thereby preventing premature actuation without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by designing the stop feature to automatically engage and prevent premature CPA member actuation without requiring any additional control mechanisms, sensors, or external interventions. The mechanical stop structure self-regulates the CPA member movement based on its geometric configuration, providing reliable prevention of premature actuation through its inherent structural design rather than through 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
This design effectively prevents premature actuation of the CPA element, ensuring that the connectors are fully mated before reaching the lock position, thereby preventing damage and ensuring secure mating under various forces, including accidental or external exertions.
Implementation Method 1
the arm of the CPA element engages the latch and deflects the latch away from a resting position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
Electrical connector (102) includes a housing (110) and a connector position assurance (CPA) element (112) mounted to the housing. The housing has a latch (140) configured to secure a mating connector (104) to the electrical connector. The CPA element includes a base (302) and an arm (304) extending therefrom. The CPA element is translatable relative to the housing between a pre-lock position and a lock position. As the CPA element is moved from the pre-lock position towards the lock position prior to the latch securing the mating connector, the arm of the CPA element engages the latch and deflects the latch away from a resting position with an increasing amount of deflection until the base of the CPA element abuts against a landing pad (222) of the housing to block further movement of the CPA element towards the lock position.