Elbow Connector Latch Obstruction for Blind Lug Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of cable and lug assemblies in elbow connectors is prone to errors due to the blind mating process, leading to incomplete connections where the fastener may not be fully inserted through the lug aperture, resulting in unreliable electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fastener assembly with a connecting rod and obstruction element that transitions between blocking and non-blocking positions, ensuring proper alignment and insertion of the fastener into the lug aperture, facilitated by a bumper mechanism that engages the lug and allows the fastener to move freely when aligned, preventing false tactile indications of completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a blind mating process is used for installing cable and lug assemblies in elbow connectors, then the installation process is simple and quick, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to incomplete fastener insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The obstruction element provides tactile feedback to the installer by blocking fastener insertion when the lug is misaligned. This feedback mechanism prevents false tactile indications of completion and ensures proper alignment, thereby maintaining connection reliability while preserving the simplicity of the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstruction element acts as an intermediary between the fastener and the lug aperture. It mediates the insertion process by allowing fastener movement only when proper alignment is achieved, thus ensuring reliable connections without complicating the overall installation procedure.
2Device complexity
If no obstruction element is used, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to misalignment of fastener with lug aperture
Solution Approach 1:
The obstruction element is integrated into the existing fastener assembly structure, utilizing the natural movement and alignment of components during installation. It serves itself by automatically engaging or disengaging based on the lug's position, providing alignment precision without requiring external control mechanisms or complex additional structures.
3Ease of operation
If the fastener assembly allows free movement, then the ease of operation is high, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to detect proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The obstruction element provides tactile feedback that clearly indicates when proper alignment is achieved. The transition from blocked to free movement of the fastener serves as a precise measurement signal to the installer, enabling accurate alignment detection while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An elbow connector receives a cable assembly having a lug with a lug aperture. The elbow connector includes a receiving cavity for the lug and a fastener assembly. The fastener assembly has a latch, a spring, and a fastener. The fastener moves toward the lug. The latch has a bumper for engaging the lug and an obstruction element for engaging the fastener. The latch pivots between (i) a blocking position in which the obstruction element inhibits a certain movement of the fastener, and (ii) a non-blocking position in which the obstruction element is free of the fastener allowing the fastener to be fastened to the lug via the lug aperture. The latch is biased toward the blocking position by the spring and transitions to the non-blocking position in response to the lug moving the bumper to a position at which the lug aperture is aligned with the fastener.