Deflectable Locking Arm Connector Position Assurance Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector position assurance devices are complex and difficult to operate, making it challenging to ensure proper connection and locking between mating components in connector assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A simplified connector position assurance device with a deflectable latch and a locking arm that moves between pre-lock and locked positions, featuring guide sections and contact surfaces to secure the components together and prevent accidental unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional CPA device is used to ensure proper connection and locking, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The CPA device is divided into functionally independent elements: a body portion with guide sections for alignment, a deflectable locking arm with contact surfaces for engagement, and integration with the latch mechanism. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm is designed to be deflectable and automatically engages with the latch through its own elastic deformation. The contact surfaces on the locking arm and latch work together such that the latch itself provides the locking action, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If a traditional CPA device is used to ensure proper connection and locking, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is designed as a deflectable element that can dynamically move between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic characteristic allows the CPA device to be easily operated by simply deflecting the locking arm, providing tactile feedback and requiring minimal force, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable locking
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm's physical state changes from deflected to undeflected during operation, providing clear tactile and visual indicators of the locking status. This parameter change makes the operation intuitive and easy to understand, improving ease of operation without compromising the reliability of the connection
3Ease of operation
If guide sections and contact surfaces are added to simplify operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide sections are integrated into the body portion of the CPA device, and the contact surfaces are formed as part of the locking arm structure. By merging these functional elements into the basic components rather than adding them as separate parts, the device achieves improved ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity
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 solution provides a straightforward and reliable mechanism for ensuring proper connection and locking between connector components, enhancing ease of operation and preventing accidental disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a deflectable locking arm that extends from the body portion. The connector position assurance device is movable between a first position, wherein the locking arm is in contact with the latch to lock the connector position assurance device in the first position and to deflect the locking arm when the latch is deflected
Implementation Method 2
a second position, wherein the body portion is positioned adjacent to the latch to prevent deflection of the latch, only after the first and second members are secured together by the latch
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly is provided with a first member and a second member that is removably connected to the first member. The second member has a deflectable latch that secures the first and second members together. A connector position assurance device is movably supported on the second member. The connector position assurance device includes a body portion and a deflectable locking arm that extends from the body portion. The connector position assurance device is movable between a first position, wherein the locking arm is in contact with the latch to lock the connector position assurance device in the first position and to deflect the locking arm when the latch is deflected, and a second position, wherein the body portion is positioned adjacent to the latch to prevent deflection of the latch, only after the first and second members are secured together by the latch.