Double Beam Latch Connector for Secure Electrical Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies lack a robust yet easily disengageable latching mechanism that can withstand shipping, installation, and use while meeting industry standards for pull-out strength, particularly in applications like the automotive industry.
Innovation Solution
A double beam latch connector design featuring a hinge with 90-degree curved beams and a latch member with a push portion and lock engagement portion, allowing for secure engagement and easy disengagement, with ribs providing additional structural support and protection against damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a robust latching mechanism is used to meet pull-out strength standards, then connection strength is improved, but ease of disengagement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is designed to be movable relative to the housing, transitioning between locked and unlocked positions. The hinge allows the latch member to pivot, enabling easy disengagement by applying force to the push portion, while the locked position provides robust connection strength when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: the latch member with push portion and lock engagement portion, the hinge with beams, and the housing. This segmentation allows the push portion to be easily accessible for disengagement while the lock engagement portion maintains strong connection when locked.
2Ease of operation
If a simple latching mechanism is used for easy disengagement, then ease of operation is improved, but connection strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic hinge mechanism allows a simple push operation to disengage the connector, while the same mechanism ensures strong connection when locked. The hinge beams provide mechanical advantage, allowing easy operation with minimal force while maintaining robust connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch member operates in a different dimension by pivoting on the hinge axis. The push portion moves in one direction to disengage, while the lock engagement portion provides connection strength in the pull-out direction, effectively using dimensional separation to resolve the contradiction.
3Device complexity
If the latch member is positioned close to the housing surface, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge beams are curved rather than straight, providing structural strength and damage resistance while maintaining a compact design. The curved beams can better absorb and distribute forces, preventing damage while keeping the latch member accessible and the overall mechanism simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge is constructed with multiple beams working together as a composite structure, providing enhanced strength and damage resistance. The combination of multiple beams creates a more robust mechanism that can withstand damage while maintaining simplicity and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly including a first connector attachable to a first electrical component and a second connector attachable to a second electrical component and releasably engaged with the first connector. The second connector includes a housing, a latch member and a hinge hingedly attaching the latch member to a surface of the housing. The hinge includes at least one beam extending from the latch member to the surface of the housing and curving 90 degrees from the latch member. The latch member includes a push portion at one end and a lock engagement portion at an opposite end. Push portion has an upper push surface configured to receive a force and an opposing lower surface facing the outer surface of the housing and defining a space between outer surface and push portion. The lower surface includes a rib protruding into the space between the outer surface and push portion.