Connector Position Assurance Device With Segmented Release Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector position assurance devices are permanently stressed when engaged and lack a direct release mechanism, resulting in a loss of user feedback during disengagement.
Innovation Solution
A connector position assurance device featuring a pair of locking arm members, a cross member, and guide elements, allowing for a non-permanently stressed engagement and a lever that can be directly depressed for release, utilizing a latch structure and guide channels for secure connection and disconnection of connector members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the top wall is used as a lever for releasing the connector position assurance device, then the device can be released, but the user loses feeling during release due to permanent stress on the top wall
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: the connector position assurance device with locking arm members for engagement, and a distinct lever component for release. This segmentation allows the lever to provide tactile feedback during release without subjecting the main body to permanent stress.
Solution Approach 2:
A lever component acts as an intermediary between the user and the connector position assurance device. The lever transmits the release action while providing tactile feedback, mediating the interaction without requiring permanent stress on the main device body.
2Reliability
If the connector position assurance device is engaged using a conventional top wall design, then engagement is achieved, but the top wall is permanently stressed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm members are designed to be resilient and movable, allowing dynamic engagement and disengagement without permanent stress. The arms can flex during operation and return to their original position, avoiding permanent deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static top wall design to a dynamic locking arm member system that changes its physical state during operation. The resilient arms can deflect and recover, changing their position and stress state temporarily without permanent alteration.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector position assurance device includes a pair of locking arm members, a cross member and a pair of guide elements. The pair of locking arm members is disposed apart from one another in a generally parallel manner. Each locking arm member has an outwardly-facing side surface, a rear end portion and a forward end portion. The forward end portion is integrally connected to and disposed opposite the rear end portion. Each forward end portion has a locking projection depending from the bottom surface. The cross member is integrally connected to the pair of locking arm members. Each guide element is integrally connected to and projects outwardly from a respective one of the outwardly-facing side surfaces at the rear end portions. A connector assembly that incorporates the connector position assurance device is also described.