Latch Securing Member for Connector Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face challenges in preventing unwanted disengagement, particularly in tight spaces, and require modifications to the connector housing or special tools for installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A latch securing member with an inclined member and securing arms that cooperates with the latching arm and projection of the connectors, allowing parallel insertion and removal without special tools or housing modifications, ensuring secure engagement and easy disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gauge pin is inserted transverse to the insertion direction of connector bodies, then connector locking status can be indicated, but insertion becomes difficult in close working areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the insertion direction of the securing member from transverse (perpendicular) to longitudinal (parallel) relative to the connector insertion direction. This inversion allows the securing member to be inserted along the same axis as the connector bodies, making it accessible in close working areas while still providing reliable locking status indication through its engagement with the latch mechanism
2Reliability
If a lock securing member with flexible latch fingers is used to prevent disengagement, then connector locking is improved, but removal of the securing member becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a resilient latch arm that can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states. The latch arm is biased by a spring to engage with the securing member, but can be easily disengaged by applying force to move the latch arm against the spring bias. This dynamic mechanism allows the securing member to remain firmly locked during normal operation while enabling easy removal when needed by simply actuating the release mechanism
3Reliability
If special passages or projections are provided on connector housing for locking member engagement, then locking functionality is achieved, but connector design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a securing member that can engage with standard latch mechanisms found in existing connectors without requiring special passages or projections. The securing member uses the existing latch arm and latch projection structures for its locking function, making it universally applicable to various connector types. This multi-functional approach allows the same securing member design to work with different connector configurations, eliminating the need for housing modifications and reducing design complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A latch securing member for use in maintaining a first connector having at least one latching arm in latching engagement with a second connector having at least one latch projection. The latch securing member has an inclined member which extends from proximate a front face to a rear wall, with the inclined member being positioned proximate a bottom wall at the front face and inclined toward a top surface. At least one securing arm extends from the rear wall toward the front face and is positioned proximate the top surface. The inclined member is positioned to cooperate with the latching arm of the first connector to prevent the latching arm from disengagement from the latching projection of the second connector. The securing arm cooperates with the latching arm to maintain the latch securing member in position relative to the latching arm.