Locking Connector Latch With Feedback Against Accidental Disconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors lack a mechanism to ensure secure mechanical engagement, prevent accidental disconnection, and provide feedback to confirm proper connection.
Innovation Solution
A locking connector system featuring a first connector with a female coupler and an adjustable latch that engages with a catch portion on a male coupler, providing audible, visual, and tactile feedback to confirm locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental disconnection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is nested within the connector housing, with the latch arm rotating within a defined space and the catch portion integrated into the mating connector. This nesting approach allows the locking function to be incorporated without significantly increasing the external dimensions or overall complexity of the connector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism automatically engages with the catch portion when connectors are mated, providing self-locking functionality. The spring-loaded latch arm automatically returns to its engaged position after being actuated, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control systems while maintaining reliable connection security.
2Ease of operation
If feedback mechanisms are added to confirm proper connection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates multiple feedback mechanisms including visual indicators (such as colored windows or lights showing latch position), tactile feedback (audible clicks or felt resistance when latch engages), and positional feedback (the physical alignment of connector housings indicating proper mating). These feedback elements provide operators with clear confirmation of proper connection without requiring complex electronic sensing or display systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector may incorporate color-coded indicators that change appearance based on connection status, such as a window revealing a green color when the latch is engaged or a red color when disengaged. This simple visual feedback mechanism provides immediate confirmation of proper connection without adding significant complexity to the connector design.
3Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to lock connectors together, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to additional steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is pre-configured to automatically engage with the catch portion when connectors are brought together and mated. The spring-loaded latch arm is positioned to automatically snap into the engaged position, eliminating the need for operators to manually perform locking actions and reducing the steps required to establish a secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch arm is designed to be dynamically movable between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing easy transition from locked to unlocked state. The spring mechanism provides automatic return to the engaged position after actuation, enabling operators to quickly disconnect connectors by simply actuating the release button without requiring sustained force or complex manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking connector system for releasably locking a first connector in mechanical engagement with a second connector. The locking connector system generally includes a first connector including a female coupler and a second connector including a male coupler, with the first and second connectors being adapted to mechanically connect to each other. The first connector includes an adjustable latch which selectively engages with a catch portion on the male coupler to lock the connectors together. The latch may be pressed downwardly, such as by use of a connected button, to release the latch from the catch portion and disconnect the connectors. The first connector is adapted to provide audible, visual, and tactile feedback to confirm when the latch engages with the catch portion.