Multi-Position Connector Assembly with Internal Retention Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical connector assemblies require additional space for retention mechanisms, which can be cumbersome and difficult to remove, and often necessitate precise alignment for proper insertion, complicating the assembly process.

Innovation Solution

The electrical connector assembly incorporates an internal retention feature with a housing having multiple cavities and a slot perpendicular to the insertion axis, utilizing a retention lock with a split center post and top latch that locks within a locking chamber, ensuring secure engagement of connectors without increasing the assembly's footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional retention mechanisms are placed over the connector housing, then the connectors are securely retained, but the space required for the connectors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector retentionVSAvoidassembly footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The retention lock is nested within the housing structure, with the locking chamber formed inside the housing body. The retention lock engages with the connector from the interior side, eliminating the need for external retention mechanisms and reducing the overall assembly footprint while maintaining secure connector retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention mechanism transitions from a external lateral retention approach to an internal axial locking approach. The locking chamber extends along the insertion axis, allowing the retention lock to engage connectors in the axial direction rather than requiring lateral space for retention arms or clips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional retention mechanisms are used, then connectors are locked in place, but the retainers are difficult to remove from the housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector lockingVSAvoidretainer removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retention lock is designed as a separable component that can be independently removed from the housing. The locking chamber is formed as a distinct feature within the housing, allowing the retention lock to be extracted along the insertion axis without requiring disassembly of the entire housing structure or special removal tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If retention means are placed in the housing, then connectors are secured, but precise alignment is necessary for proper insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector securityVSAvoidalignment tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The retention lock automatically engages with the connector upon insertion and self-latches within the locking chamber. The design includes self-aligning features where the locking chamber geometry guides the retention lock into proper position, eliminating the need for precise pre-alignment during assembly and reducing sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2218145B1Multi position electrical connector assembly

Publication Date: 2014.07.30 TE CONNECTIVITY CORP

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AI summary

An electrical connector assembly includes a housing having more than one cavity extending along an insertion axis for inserting a connector in each of the more than one cavity. The housing has a slot extending perpendicular to the insertion axis. A retention lock is inserted into the slot and held within the housing, wherein the retention lock locks each of the more than one connector within each cavity.