H-Shaped Latch Arm for Hermaphroditic Connector Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors in automotive applications face challenges in securely latching and unlatching hermaphroditic connectors, which are essential for reliable terminal connections but often require complex mechanisms that can be prone to misalignment and inefficient decoupling.
Innovation Solution
A latch structure featuring a main latch arm with an H-shaped configuration, including two arms and a crossbar connected by base portions, with a primary depression surface and a beam that allows for engagement between female and male catches on opposing sides of the connector housings, enabling secure mating and efficient uncoupling through controlled deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch structure is used to secure hermaphroditic connectors, then connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch structure is divided into separate functional components: a latch arm with base portions, a beam with female catch, and a tab with male catch. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple latch functions into a single integrated structure where the latch arm, beam, and tab work together as one cohesive mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed, simplifying the overall device complexity while ensuring reliable connection through coordinated action of combined elements
2Reliability
If a complex latch mechanism is used for hermaphroditic connectors, then secure latching is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The female catch is extracted as a separate beam component that protrudes from the crossbar, allowing it to engage with the male catch on the tab. This extraction simplifies the engagement mechanism, making operation easier while maintaining secure latching through the dedicated catch interface
Solution Approach 2:
The latch structure is designed to be self-latching through the engagement of male and female catches, eliminating the need for additional locking mechanisms. The structure automatically secures itself when connectors are mated, improving ease of operation while ensuring reliable connection
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 latch structure provides a secure and efficient means to connect and disconnect hermaphroditic electrical connectors, ensuring reliable terminal connections while allowing for easy decoupling by pressing the primary depression surface, thus addressing the challenges of secure latching and efficient unlatching in automotive applications.
Implementation Method 1
A beam protrudes beam the crossbar, and the beam has a female catch for engaging with a corresponding male catch on a mating housing
Implementation Method 2
The main latch arm has two arms and a crossbar in an H shape, and is connected to the housing by two base portions at respective ends of the two arms. There is a primary depression surface connected to the opposite ends of the two arms from the ends connected to the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A catch structure useful for electrical connectors has a main latch arm having two arms and a crossbar in an H shape, connected to a housing, with a primary depression surface on the ends of the arms and a beam protruding from the crossbar having a female catch. The female catch can engage with a corresponding male catch on a mating housing. Depressing the primary depression surface can disengage the catch. The catch structure can be used on hermaphroditic or non-hermaphroditic connectors and is of use in automotive applications.