Connector Position Assurance Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems lack a reliable mechanism to ensure secure engagement and locking of male and female connector assemblies during transport and use, leading to potential misalignment and instability.
Innovation Solution
A connector position assurance (CPA) locking mechanism that engages in a pre-lock position with the female connector assembly before transport and transitions to a full-lock position upon connection, utilizing teeth and curved upper regions to securely lock the assemblies together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the CPA locking mechanism is engaged in a pre-lock position with the female connector assembly before transport, then the connector assembly is secured during transport, but the mechanism adds complexity to the connector system
Solution Approach 1:
The CPA locking mechanism is engaged in a pre-lock position with the female connector assembly before the male connector assembly is connected. This preliminary action secures the female connector assembly during transport and prevents misalignment before the actual connection occurs, ensuring the connector is ready for reliable engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional components including a locking component with a locking surface, a CPA device with engagement features, and a male connector assembly with a latch. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall reliability of the connector system.
2Strength
If the CPA locking mechanism uses teeth and curved upper regions to lock the assemblies together, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The CPA device includes a curved upper region that engages with a corresponding curved surface on the locking component. This curved geometry distributes the locking forces more evenly across the contact surfaces, improving connection strength while being more tolerant of manufacturing variations compared to sharp angular features.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism features localized engagement points including teeth on the CPA device and a locking surface on the locking component. These localized features concentrate the locking forces at specific points where precision is most critical, while other areas of the connector assembly can be manufactured with standard tolerances.
3Reliability
If the CPA locking mechanism transitions from pre-lock to full-lock position upon connection, then the engagement assurance is improved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CPA locking mechanism automatically transitions from the pre-lock position to the full-lock position through the natural insertion motion of the male connector assembly. The latch on the male connector assembly engages with the locking component, causing the CPA device to move into the full-lock position without requiring separate manual operation, thus maintaining ease of use while ensuring reliable engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides mechanical feedback through the engagement of the latch and the movement of the CPA device from pre-lock to full-lock position. This feedback confirms to the operator that the connector has been properly connected and locked, enhancing engagement assurance without adding operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Connector apparatus having a male connector assembly, a female connector assembly, and a connector position assurance (CPA) device. The connector position assurance (CPA) device is inserted into one of the connector assemblies to lock the male connector assembly and female connector assembly together as an additional locking assurance.