Dual-Locking Housing Connector for Vibration-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for housing parts often result in play, causing rattling when vibrated, or have a force fit that can be released if the holding force is exceeded, leading to a need for a secure and permanent connection with no play.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a first connector part with a spring element and snap-in element interacting with a latching element, forming a combined frictional and positive connection, and a second snap element and latching element that prevent separation when forces exceed the holding force, using a plastic or metal material with ramp shapes and undercuts for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a positive locking connector is used to join housing parts, then the connection is secure and permanent, but play remains in the connection causing rattling under vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two locking mechanisms into a single connector system: a first positive locking mechanism (snap element and detent element) for secure connection, and a second friction-based mechanism (spring element pressing snap element against detent element) to eliminate play. This merging allows the connector to simultaneously achieve both secure permanent connection and vibration resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the interaction parameters between connector elements by introducing a spring element that applies continuous pressure to maintain frictional contact between the snap element and detent element. This parameter change (from static positive locking to dynamic friction-based locking with controlled play elimination) prevents rattling while maintaining connection security.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a friction-based connector is used to join housing parts, then play is eliminated and rattling is prevented, but the connection can come loose if holding force is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic locking system where the spring element can deflect to allow controlled movement during assembly, then maintains continuous frictional pressure to prevent vibration-induced loosening. The system transitions from a static friction connection to a dynamic system that adapts to assembly forces while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-loaded during connector manufacturing to exert a preliminary frictional force on the snap element against the detent element. This preliminary action ensures that the connection is immediately secure upon assembly and can withstand external forces without coming loose.
3Reliability
If a connector with spring element and dual locking mechanisms is used, then both vibration resistance and connection security are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple locking functions into a single integrated connector component, where the snap element serves dual purposes: engaging with the detent element for positive locking and being pressed by the spring element for friction-based play elimination. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving both vibration resistance and connection security.
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 connector provides a secure, vibration-resistant connection that prevents rattling and ensures the housing parts remain connected, even under excessive forces, with a clear audible click during assembly and easy manufacturing through injection molding.
Implementation Method 1
the snap element is pushed over the first detent element by deflecting the at least one spring element
Implementation Method 2
when the first connector part and the second connector part are moved towards each other along a connection direction during the joining of the housing parts
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (100) for connecting two housing parts (11, 12), wherein a first connector part (110) is designed for arranging on a first housing part (11) and a second connector part (120) is designed for arranging on a second housing part (12). The first connector part (110) has at least one spring element (114), as well as a first snap-in element (111) and a second snap-in element (112). The second connector part (120) has a first engaging element (121) and a second engaging element (122). The first engaging element (121) and the first snap-in element (111) are form-fittingly and force-fittingly connected to one another, supported by a restoring force of the at least one spring element (114). The second snap-in element (112) and the second engaging element (122) are configured in such a way that a form-fit is created when the first connector part (110) and the second connector part (120) are moved apart, which prevents a sliding back of the second snap-in element (112) over the second engaging element (122). The invention also relates to a housing (10) having a connector (100) of this type, and an ultrasonic sensor comprising a housing (10) of this type.