Latching Lance Protective Sleeve for Plug Connector Snagging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical plug connectors face issues with latching lances getting caught in adjacent components or electrical lines, leading to potential deformation and failure in locking mechanisms, which can result in improper latching and damage to components.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a displaceable latching lance with a support element and a closure mechanism, such as a cavity filled with a casting compound or wing elements, to prevent snagging and ensure reliable locking without deformation, while also being cost-effective to produce.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a narrow-shaped latching lance is used, then the latching mechanism can be compact and effective, but the latching lance easily gets caught in adjacent contact elements and electrical lines leading to plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
A protective sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component that surrounds the latching lance. The sleeve has a diameter larger than the latching lance, creating a protective barrier that prevents adjacent components from catching on the narrow latching lance while allowing the compact latching mechanism to function effectively.
2Ease of operation
If the latching lance protrudes obliquely outwards, then it can effectively latch into the contact chamber, but it increases the risk of getting caught on surrounding components
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sleeve acts as a mediator between the obliquely protruding latching lance and surrounding components. It maintains the effective latching angle while the larger diameter of the sleeve prevents snagging on adjacent contact elements and electrical lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sleeve functions as a thin-walled protective shell that envelops the latching lance. This shell provides a smooth outer surface that resists catching on surrounding components while allowing the internal latching mechanism to operate with its oblique protrusion geometry.
3Reliability
If protective elements are added to the latching lance, then snagging is prevented, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sleeve is integrated with the latching lance assembly, forming a combined structure. This merging approach provides protection against snagging while minimizing additional complexity, as the sleeve and latching lance function as a unified component system rather than separate protective elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sleeve serves multiple functions: it prevents snagging on surrounding components, provides mechanical protection to the latching lance, and maintains the compact geometry of the overall assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized protective elements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is based on an electrical contact element (2) for a single-pole or multi-pole plug housing comprising at least one contact chamber consisting of electrically insulating material for accommodating the at least one electrical contact element (2). The electrical contact element (2) has a fastening section (4) for fastening an electrical line. The electrical contact element (2) has a contact section (6) for producing an electrically conductive connection with a corresponding mating contact element. The electrical contact element (2) has at least one latching lance (8), wherein the latching lance (8) can be moved from a first position into a second position, and vice versa. The latching lance (8) protrudes outwards at an angle in the first position. The latching lance (8) can be latched with the contact chamber in the first position. According to the invention, a supporting element (10) is connected undetachably to the latching lance (8). A cavity (12) is delimited by the latching lance (8) and the supporting element (10). The cavity (12) is closed in the first position by a closure element (14) in such a way that locking of the latching lance (8) is prevented.