Plug Connector Force Limitation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-pull connectors lack clear indication of correct latching and are prone to damage due to excessive force during plugging, leading to potential impairment of contact and connector components.
Innovation Solution
The connector features a force limitation mechanism with a second actuation means that transmits force through ramps, limiting power transmission to a defined value, preventing further insertion if excessive force is applied, and includes a blocking element to prevent unintentional force limitation in the unplugged state, ensuring minimum required insertion forces are maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is designed with multiple latching steps for length compensation, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of overplugging and component damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of force transmission by introducing a force limitation mechanism with defined insertion force thresholds. The mechanism allows the connector to adapt to different lengths through multiple latching steps while simultaneously limiting the maximum force transmitted to protect components from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The force limitation mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's plugging action and the connector components. It mediates the force transmission by allowing controlled movement through multiple latching steps while blocking excessive force that could cause damage, thus protecting the contact means and other components.
2Ease of operation
If the connector allows free plugging motion for length compensation, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintentional force limitation triggering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation means is segmented into multiple functional zones: a first region that allows free movement for length compensation and a second region that triggers force limitation only when excessive force is applied. This segmentation enables both ease of operation and reliability by separating the normal plugging motion from the protective force limitation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The force limitation mechanism is pre-configured with a defined insertion force threshold and corresponding travel distance. Before plugging occurs, the mechanism is prepared to automatically limit force if the actuation means travels beyond the predetermined distance, preventing unintentional damage without requiring user intervention.
3Ease of operation
If the connector provides clear latching indication, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector provides latching indication through its own structural features without requiring external indicators or complex signaling mechanisms. The defined insertion force threshold and travel distance create natural feedback through the actuation means, allowing the connector to indicate its own latching state through the force and movement characteristics during plugging.
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 prevents over-plugging and damage to contact and connector components by ensuring a defined insertion force is used, guaranteeing minimum insertion force while preventing excessive force from being applied, thus protecting the connector system from damage.
Implementation Method 1
The drivers on the second actuating means and the base body of the connector are expediently designed in such a way that they engage in one another and transmit the force from the second actuating means to the base body. Due to a special design of the drivers as ramps, the power transmission is limited to a certain value - due to the gradient of the ramps.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Disclosed is a plug connector, known as a push-pull type of plug connector, wherein the plug connector is embodied from a base body for receiving a contact, a latch and also a first actuator for actuating the latching means. The first actuator is provided on the plug connector in such a manner that it can be displaced axially along the plugging direction. The first actuator is used for transferring the plugging force by the user to the plug connector, wherein the strengths of the force is limited to a defined maximum in order to prevent damage to components. Furthermore, the latch is actuated by displacing the first actuator in the opposite direction to the plugging direction and the latching arrangement with respect to the mating plug connector is released.