Integrated Connector Position Assurance Device Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional connector assemblies with separate connector position assurance devices (CPAs) are prone to loss and misplacement, making it difficult for operators to maintain the locked state between plug and receptacle connectors due to unintentional release under external forces.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly design where the CPA is integrated with the first connector, featuring a first and second stopper mechanism that prevents forward or backward movement, allowing it to be pre-attached and ensuring it cannot be lost, with elongated arms and a bottom plate configuration for secure locking and easy insertion into specific positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the CPA is provided as a separate individual member, then the locking function can be provided, but the CPA may be accidentally lost or cannot be found when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The CPA is integrated with the plug connector body, merging two previously separate components (CPA and plug connector) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the risk of the CPA being lost while maintaining its locking function, as the CPA is now permanently attached to the plug connector it is intended to secure.
2Ease of operation
If the CPA is integrated with the plug connector, then the CPA cannot be lost, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The CPA is integrated with the plug connector body, merging two previously separate components (CPA and plug connector) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the risk of the CPA being lost while maintaining its locking function, as the CPA is now permanently attached to the plug connector it is intended to secure.
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 integrated CPA ensures stable locking and easy identification, preventing unintentional release and allowing the connectors to be securely locked and easily assembled, reducing the risk of loss and enhancing operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic locking piece which is suspended from the housing of the first connector; a locking member mating with the elastic locking piece is formed on the housing of the second connector so as to lock the first and second connectors together
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A connector assembly comprising: a first connector having a housing on which an elastic locking piece is suspended; a second connector having a housing on which a locking member mating with the elastic locking piece is formed so as to lock the first and second connectors together when the first and second connectors are mated together; and a connector position assurance device having a first stopper and a second stopper behind the first stopper. A first mating stopper is formed on the elastic locking piece, and a second mating stopper is formed on the housing of the first connector. The connector position assurance device only can be inserted into a first position under the elastic locking piece of the first connector when the first and second connectors are separate from each other. At the first position, the first stopper of the connector position assurance device is abutted against the first mating stopper of the first connector to prevent the connector position assurance device from being further pushed forward, and at the first position, the second stopper of the connector position assurance device is abutted against the second mating stopper of the first connector to prevent the connector position assurance device from being pulled out backward.