Multi-contact connector locking zones with pitch offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-contact connectors used in aircraft on-board equipment face challenges in secure locking and easy assembly, particularly under vibration conditions, and require a solution that ensures effective engagement and braking while allowing for fine increments in locking.
Innovation Solution
A multi-contact connector assembly featuring two locking zones with series of teeth on each housing, where the teeth are regularly spaced and the locking zones on one housing are offset by a specific pitch difference, allowing for secure engagement and easy assembly without tools, using elastically deformable lugs and a locking cap that slides to secure the housings together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple locking zones with series of teeth are used on both housings, then the locking reliability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent locking zones, each with its own series of teeth. Each locking zone can engage independently, providing redundant locking points that enhance reliability without requiring a completely complex integrated system. The segmentation allows each zone to function autonomously while contributing to overall security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking zones are arranged in a nested configuration where the second housing's locking zones are positioned within the spatial envelope of the first housing's locking zones. This nesting allows multiple locking interfaces to coexist in a compact arrangement, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining multiple locking points for enhanced reliability.
2Ease of operation
If elastically deformable lugs are used for locking, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the risk of misplacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable lugs are designed to automatically engage with the corresponding locking zones through their own elastic deformation. When the housings are brought together, the lugs naturally flex and snap into the correct position within the locking zones without requiring external manipulation or alignment tools, making assembly intuitive and self-correcting.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformation of the lugs provides immediate tactile and visual feedback during assembly. As each lug engages with its corresponding locking zone, the deformation and subsequent locking position give the assembler clear confirmation of correct engagement, reducing the risk of misplacement while maintaining ease of assembly.
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 secure locking and easy assembly of multi-contact connectors, ensuring effective engagement and braking, even under vibration, while allowing for manual locking without tools and reducing the risk of misplacing parts, with visual confirmation of correct locking.
Implementation Method 1
the locking cover comprising at least two elastically deformable lugs each provided with a locking zone
Implementation Method 2
each provided with a locking zone with a series of teeth perpendicular to the first axis, the teeth of each series being regularly spaced
Data Source
Figure 1~5
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Figure 8
AI summary
The connector has a multi-contact connector case (1) presenting a housing defined by two lateral walls (20) on which locking zones (21) are formed. The zones are separated from each other by a space comprising a height (h 1) measured along the Y-axis. Another multi-contact connector case (60) has a locking enclosure (63) comprising two pairs of elastically deformable prongs (65) provided with locking zones (66) that are separated by a space comprising a height (h 2) measured along the Y-axis. The difference between the heights is different for a multiple of a pitch of teeth of the zones. An independent claim is also included for a method for assembling multi-contact connector cases in a removable manner.