Secondary Locking Connector for Clear Haptic Mating Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector systems for safety restraint systems, such as airbag and seatbelt systems, face issues with ambiguous haptic feedback during coupling, leading to potential incorrect mating, and difficulty in reliable decoupling, which can result in damage to the secondary locking device.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector system featuring a plug connector with a secondary locking device that includes a flexible arm with a distal locking element providing clear haptic feedback and a central locking mechanism, allowing for unambiguous mating and easy decoupling, while minimizing the size of the connector system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple locking elements are used to achieve sufficiently high retention force, then the locking reliability is improved, but the haptic feedback becomes ambiguous and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking elements (first locking element on flexible arm, second locking element on operating section) into a unified locking mechanism where both elements work simultaneously to provide retention force while delivering clear haptic feedback through coordinated engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional segments: the flexible arm with first locking element for initial engagement and retention, and the operating section with second locking element for securing and haptic feedback, allowing each segment to perform its specific function optimally
2Reliability
If multiple locking elements are used to achieve sufficiently high retention force, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible arm serves multiple functions: it provides the first locking element for retention, acts as a spring element for haptic feedback, and enables the locking/unlocking operation through its flexibility, reducing the need for separate dedicated components
3Reliability
If the plug connector is designed for secure coupling, then the connection reliability is improved, but the difficulty of decoupling increases and may damage the secondary locking device
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible arm is designed to be dynamically flexible during normal operation to provide secure locking, but can be deliberately deflected by the operating section during decoupling to release the locking elements, allowing controlled transition between locked and unlocked states
Solution Approach 2:
The operating section acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the user's decoupling action and the locking elements, allowing the user to release the connection without directly applying force that could damage the flexible arm or locking elements
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 system ensures reliable and unambiguous haptic feedback during coupling, reducing the risk of incorrect mating and facilitating easy decoupling without damaging the secondary locking device, thereby enhancing the safety and maintenance of safety restraint systems.
Implementation Method 1
The first flexible arm has a flexible rounded portion at its proximal end that connects the first flexible arm with the main body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical connector system 10, in particular for a safety restraint system, comprising an electrical plug connector, including a connector housing 100 and at least two electrical contact elements 410, 420. The electrical connector system 10 further comprises a secondary locking device 300, wherein the secondary locking device includes a main body 302 and a first flexible arm 310. The main body 302 is provided with a pushing surface 340 for pushing the secondary locking device 300 from an unmated condition in a mated condition, along a mating direction A and the first flexible arm 310 extends from the pushing surface 340 to a first locking element 326. The first locking element 326 is provided at a distal portion of the first flexible arm and is adapted to lock with a corresponding first locking element of the plug connector, when the secondary locking device 300 is the mated condition. The first flexible arm has a flexible rounded portion 314 at its proximal end that connects the first flexible arm 310 with the main body 302.