Panel-Mount Connectors With Integrated Latch Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional panel mount connectors require additional fasteners that increase the connector's footprint and necessitate greater spacing between connectors, as well as multiple assembly steps, complicating the mounting process.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector assembly featuring a latch with engagement members that securely attach to the panel as the connector housing is inserted, allowing for direct mounting without additional fasteners and reducing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fasteners (brackets, clamps, bolts, or screws) are used to mount connectors to panels, then reliable mechanical connection is achieved, but the overall footprint of the connector increases and greater spacing between adjacent connectors is required
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is integrated directly into the connector housing, combining the connector and mounting mechanism into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate brackets or clamps, thereby reducing the overall footprint while maintaining reliable mechanical connection through the latch's engagement with the panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function is extracted from separate fastener components and incorporated directly into the connector housing itself. The latch mechanism is built into the housing structure, allowing the connector to mount directly to the panel without requiring additional external fastening elements, thus reducing the required spacing and footprint.
2Reliability
If conventional fasteners are used to mount connectors, then secure attachment is achieved, but multiple assembly steps are required complicating the mounting process
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is integrated into the connector housing as a single unit, combining the connector and mounting mechanism. This allows the entire assembly to be installed in one operation by simply inserting the connector into the panel opening, eliminating the need for separate fastening steps and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is designed to automatically engage with the panel upon insertion of the connector housing. The engagement member translates relative to the housing during insertion and automatically secures to the panel, making the mounting process self-completing without requiring additional manual fastening operations.
3Reliability
If additional fasteners are used for mounting, then secure connection is achieved, but the overall footprint and spacing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function is merged with the connector housing itself through the integrated latch mechanism. This eliminates the need for additional external fasteners that would extend beyond the connector's basic footprint, thereby reducing the required spacing between adjacent connectors while maintaining secure connection through the latch's direct engagement with the panel.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly is provided for mounting onto a panel having a panel opening. The connector assembly includes a connector and a latch. The latch is configured to mount on the connector, and attach to the panel as the housing is inserted into the opening.