Elastomeric Locking Arms for Connector Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for connector housings are either unreliable due to damage from mechanical stress or expensive, lacking a balance between robustness and affordability.
Innovation Solution
A locking device featuring a pair of elastomeric locking arms made from materials like nitrile rubber or polyurethane, with a sealing element integrated into the locking ring, providing a resilient and durable connection that can be easily removed and replaced, and adaptable to different pin orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal locking brackets or clips are used for connector housing locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device becomes vulnerable to mechanical damage from falling or impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal to elastomeric material, transforming the locking mechanism's physical properties to be inherently resistant to mechanical damage while maintaining locking functionality through elastic deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device uses composite construction with elastomeric material as the base and integrated sealing element, combining flexibility and damage resistance with sealing capability in a single resilient structure
2Strength
If metal locking brackets with rigid structure are used, then the locking strength is improved, but the sealing effect between connector housings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal to elastomeric material, enabling the locking arms to provide both locking strength through elastic resistance and sealing effect through conformal contact with the connector housing surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device integrates the sealing function into the elastomeric locking arms themselves, creating a composite structure where the same material provides both mechanical locking and environmental sealing
3Reliability
If push buttons with metal sheets and recesses are used for locking, then the locking reliability against mechanical effects is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter to elastomeric material that can be molded in a single piece, providing mechanical effect resistance through material properties rather than complex metal construction, thereby reducing manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device merges the locking arms and sealing element into a single elastomeric component, eliminating the need for separate metal sheets, recesses, and sealing elements required in push button designs, simplifying manufacturing
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 solution offers a robust, cost-effective, and reliable locking mechanism that maintains sealing integrity even after mechanical stress, with the ability to be recycled and reused, ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
The locking arms of the locking device can be stretched in the axial direction. The locking arms of the locking device are therefore made of an elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
As a rule, the connector housings that are plugged together are sealed against the ingress of media by a sealing element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a locking apparatus for reversibly locking a plug-type connector housing (1) with a mating plug housing (2) provided for this purpose, wherein the locking apparatus (9, 9', 9") has at least one locking arm (15, 15', 15", 20, 20', 20"), wherein the at least one locking arm (15, 15', 15", 20, 20', 20") in turn comprises at least one receptacle (16, 16', 1 6", 17, 17', 17"), which interacts with bearing pins (18) integrally formed on the plug-type connector housing (1) and the mating plug housing (2) in such a way that the plug-type connector housing (1) and the mating plug housing are pressed against one another, wherein the at least one locking arm (15, 15', 15", 20, 20', 20") consists of an elastomeric material.