Divided Spring Arm Plug for Reliable Automotive Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plugs used in the automotive industry often fail to properly lock into sockets due to applied force during assembly, leading to potential disengagement and operational failures, especially in sealed connectors where excess pressure can dislodge the plug.
Innovation Solution
A plug design with a spring arm divided into a locking arm and an actuating arm, where the actuating arm is longer and overlaps the locking arm, preventing direct force application that could block the locking mechanism, and featuring a protection element to reduce unintentional actuation and enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If force is applied at the spring arm during assembly, then the plug can be inserted into the socket, but the locking arm may be blocked by a finger and fail to move properly
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arm is divided into two separate arms: a locking arm (5) with the latch and an actuating arm (6) for applying force. This segmentation allows the locking arm to remain unobstructed during assembly while the actuating arm receives the assembly force, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability of locking engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The force application point is extracted from the locking arm and relocated to the actuating arm. By taking out the locking function from the force application path, the locking arm can move freely during assembly without being blocked by fingers, while still achieving reliable locking engagement.
2Reliability
If the spring arm is divided into locking arm and actuating arm, then reliability of locking is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm (5) and actuating arm (6) are merged into a single spring arm assembly that is formed as one integral component. This merging reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate locking and actuating components, while still providing the functional separation needed for reliable locking engagement.
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 design ensures reliable engagement and disengagement of the plug, reducing the risk of operational failures and rattling noises, while maintaining mechanical stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arm (2), in this case comprising a locking arm (5) and an actuating arm (6)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug (1), preferably for an electrical plug-in connection, with a spring arm (2) comprising a latch (3) for engagingly connecting to a corresponding socket (4), the spring arm comprising a locking arm (5) and an actuating arm (6), and the actuating arm overlapping the locking arm in the actuating direction of the actuating arm, at least in part, and the actuating arm being longer than the locking arm.