Electric Plug Connector Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors for motor vehicle restraint systems face a challenge in achieving both minimal dimensions and high contact and latching reliability, while also being cost-effective and structurally simple, especially when designed to withstand long periods of use in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design eliminates a secondary lock and incorporates a latching-inhibiting means that requires significant force to release, using a flexible, compression-based mechanism acting in the circumferential direction, with latching means arranged laterally and integrated into the plug-in contour, ensuring high plugging and contacting security without irreversible material changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional latching means with spring force are used, then the connector can be easily released, but the latching reliability is insufficient for long-term emergency use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the force mechanism from spring force to compression force. The latching-inhibiting means is compressed during insertion and maintains constant compression force on the latching means, providing reliable latching without requiring easy release through spring mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the secondary locking mechanism and spring-based release mechanisms from traditional connectors. Only a single latching means remains, which is held in place by the compression-based latching-inhibiting means, simplifying the structure while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple latching means with secondary lock are used, then the latching security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the latching means and latching-inhibiting means into an integrally formed unit. The latching-inhibiting means is formed as one piece with the plug-in contour, eliminating the need for separate secondary locking mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the secondary locking mechanism entirely, retaining only a single latching means that is sufficient when combined with the compression-based latching-inhibiting means. This reduction in components directly lowers device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional latching means are used, then the connector can be manufactured with standard components, but the manufacturing cost is higher
Solution Approach 1:
The latching-inhibiting means is integrally formed with the plug-in contour as a single component. This integration reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs despite the innovative design.
4Force
If latching means are designed to act by spring force, then the release mechanism is simple, but the latching force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the force generation mechanism from spring force to compression force. The latching-inhibiting means is compressed during insertion and maintains constant compression force on the latching means, providing significantly higher and more reliable latching force without complex spring mechanisms.
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
This design results in a cost-effective, space-saving connector with enhanced latching force and reliability, preventing accidental disengagement and simplifying manufacturing, while maintaining effective electrical contact and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one latching-inhibiting means which is integrally formed in the plug-in contour and acts in the circumferential direction U of the plug-in contour, in particular by compression
Implementation Method 2
the locking-inhibiting means is flexible, in particular made of a softer plastic material than the plastic material of the plug-in contour. Due to the flexible configuration, the compression of the locking inhibitor can take place in the circumferential direction U in a defined manner with a defined compression force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The electrical connector is provided with a locking element (1) for engaging contour of a plug (11) of the connector with the plug socket. The contour is integrally formed in the circumferential direction. A retardant lock is formed partially on the locking element.