Electrical Plug Connection With C-Spring Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical plug connections, while using magnets for secure and self-locating connections, often require expensive locking mechanisms to secure against mechanical loads and vibrations, especially in safety-relevant areas.
Innovation Solution
An electrical plug connection with a spring-based locking mechanism, where a C-shaped spring is used to secure the connection automatically, allowing locking and unlocking through specific movements or forces, ensuring the connection cannot be opened or closed indiscriminately, and can be released user-friendlyly with one hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnets are used for secure and self-locating connections, then connection reliability and ease of operation are improved, but the connection is insufficient against mechanical loads and vibrations in safety-relevant areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magnetic attraction forces with a mechanical locking mechanism in a single integrated connection system. The magnets provide initial alignment and holding force, while the locking element engages with a locking recess to provide additional mechanical security against loads and vibrations, creating a hybrid connection system that leverages both magnetic and mechanical principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically when the plug connection is assembled. The locking element is spring-loaded and self-actuates upon insertion, engaging with the locking recess without requiring external actuation or additional steps, making the system self-servicing and easy to operate.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional locking mechanisms such as screws and threads are used to secure the connection, then resistance to mechanical loads and vibrations is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential locking function from complex traditional mechanisms like screws and threads, retaining only the core elements needed for secure connection. The simplified locking element and locking recess provide the necessary mechanical security without the complexity of threaded fasteners, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining resistance to mechanical loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The locking element and locking recess are designed as basic mechanical features rather than complex assemblies, reducing manufacturing cost and simplifying production while providing adequate security for the application.
3Ease of operation
If a spring-based locking mechanism with C-shaped spring is used, then ease of operation and user-friendliness are improved, but the connection may be too easy to unlock inadvertently
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed with asymmetric geometry, having a locking portion that engages with the locking recess in one direction but requires a specific unlocking motion in the opposite direction. This asymmetric design allows easy engagement during assembly while preventing inadvertent unlocking, as the locking element cannot disengage unless the connector is pulled apart with sufficient force to compress the spring and overcome the locking engagement.
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 a secure and user-friendly plug connection that is resistant to mechanical loads and vibrations, with a cost-effective design that ensures the connection can only be opened in a specific direction, enhancing safety and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The locking element has a spring which is arranged in the first or second connector, the spring being designed in the shape of a circular arc. The spring can thus be expanded by the latching element during locking until the latching element latches behind a step of the C-shaped spring.
Implementation Method 2
Magnets that are aligned with one another are used in the plug and in the socket for perfect contacting of the contact elements with the mating contact elements. The magnets in the plug and in the socket attract each other and ensure that the plug connects magnetically to the socket
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical plug connection comprising a first connector, a second connector and a locking mechanism, wherein the first connector has a first electrical contact element and at least one magnet, and wherein the second connector has a second electrical contact element and at least one second magnet with an opposite polarity to the first magnet, wherein the first and the second contact element are configured to produce an electrical connection between the first and the second connector for power and/or data transmission, and wherein the locking mechanism is designed to be self-locking.