CPA-Latched Electrical Connector for Vibration-Stable Mating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical connectors in harsh environments, such as automobiles, face issues with vibration causing disconnection and electromagnetic interference, leading to signal noise and instability.

Innovation Solution

A connector position assurance (CPA) device with elastic arms and cantilevers secures the plug connector to a receptacle connector, ensuring stable engagement through pre-locked and locked positions, and includes features like protrusions and grooves for easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connector is used in a harsh environment with vibration, then the connector can maintain basic connectivity, but the connector may disengage or produce electrical noise due to vibration and electromagnetic interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector stabilityVSAvoidvibration and electromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing a latch mechanism with a retention feature that proactively prevents disengagement before vibration can cause failure. The retention feature engages with a corresponding feature on the mating connector to create a mechanical interlock that resists vibrational forces, addressing the harmful effect before it can compromise connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by incorporating an elastic arm that can dynamically adjust its position in response to vibrational forces. The elastic arm moves between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the connector to absorb and adapt to vibration while maintaining electrical contact, thus transforming the rigid connection into a dynamic one that resists harmful vibrational effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If a simple latch mechanism is used for connector engagement, then the connector is easy to assemble, but the latch may disengage under vibration or electromagnetic interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector assembly simplicityVSAvoidlatch engagement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the latch mechanism with an additional retention feature and elastic arm to create a dual-function assembly. The retention feature works in conjunction with the latch to provide both easy engagement (through the simple latch operation) and secure retention (through the additional mechanical interlock), combining simplicity with reliability in a single integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an elastic arm as an intermediary element between the latch and the mating connector. This elastic arm acts as a mediator that provides gradual engagement and maintains constant contact pressure, ensuring reliable latching without requiring complex assembly procedures. The elastic arm translates simple latch movement into sustained secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the connector components are allowed to move relative to each other, then the connector can accommodate assembly tolerances, but relative movement causes electrical noise and signal interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetolerance accommodationVSAvoidelectrical noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the electrical contact interface to maintain constant contact pressure through the elastic arm mechanism. By dynamically adjusting the contact force parameter, the system accommodates assembly tolerances while preventing relative movement that would generate electrical noise, thus changing the contact pressure parameter to eliminate harmful effects.

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

The CPA device prevents disengagement and reduces electromagnetic interference, ensuring reliable connections and improved signal integrity in harsh conditions.

Implementation Method 1

first and second elastic arms extending from the front of the body and configured to abut a feature of a mating receptacle connector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

first and second cantilevers connected to the first and second sides of the body, respectively, the first and second cantilevers configured to engage a first feature of the plug connector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS20260024933A1High-stability electrical connector and interconnection system thereof
Publication Date: 2026.01.22 AMPHENOL AORORA TECH (HUIZHOU) CO LTD
  • US20260024933A1 patent drawing
  • US20260024933A1 patent drawing
  • US20260024933A1 patent drawing

AI summary

High-stability electrical connector and interconnection system thereof are provided. An interconnection system includes a receptacle connector and a plug connector. The plug connector includes a latch and a connector position assurance (CPA) device together configured to secure the plug connector to the receptacle connector. The CPA device is configured to be movable to a locked position from a pre-locked position when the plug connector is properly mated with the receptacle connector. At the locked position, the CPA device prevents the latch of the plug connector from disengaging from the receptacle connector. The CPA device includes a body, cantilevers connected to body sides and configured to engage a feature of the plug connector, and elastic arms extending from the body front and configured to abut a feature of the receptacle connector. Techniques described herein enable reliable interconnections in a harsh environment such as one presented by an automobile.