Plug Connector Housing Anti-Rotation Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector housings made of plastic lack sufficient thermal and mechanical resistance, leading to insecure connections, especially in heavy-duty applications where a non-rotatable and secure attachment is required.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an elastically adjustable locking element that protrudes along the attachment direction to engage with a recess on the opposing housing part, providing a positive locking mechanism that prevents rotation and ensures a secure connection, which can be released by pressing the locking element into the attachment surface using a tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the housing is made of plastic, then the second housing part can be fastened easily and securely to the first housing part, but the housing lacks sufficient thermal and mechanical resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining metal (aluminum) housing parts with plastic insulation elements and sealing components. The metal housing provides the required thermal and mechanical resistance, while the plastic components maintain ease of assembly and sealing functions, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from plastic to metal (aluminum) for the housing parts, which fundamentally improves thermal and mechanical resistance. This parameter change is compensated by designing integrated sealing elements and precise geometric features that ensure secure fastening without requiring additional fastening complexity.
2Strength
If the housing parts are made of metal, then thermal and mechanical resistance is improved, but the connection between housing parts becomes less secure and more prone to detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the metal housing parts: structural support, thermal conduction, mechanical strength, and integrated sealing. The sealing elements are directly integrated into the metal housing geometry, ensuring that the connection remains secure and reliable while maintaining the thermal and mechanical advantages of metal construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing sealing elements and connection features at specific locations on the metal housing parts. The sealing elements are positioned at the connection interfaces to ensure secure attachment, while the rest of the metal housing maintains its structural and thermal properties without unnecessary complexity.
3Reliability
If a locking element is added to prevent rotation, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function into the existing connection geometry of the housing parts. The anti-rotation feature is integrated into the interlocking shapes of the metal housing parts themselves, eliminating the need for separate locking elements and keeping the structure simple while ensuring secure, non-rotatable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing parts are designed with self-locking geometric features that automatically prevent rotation when connected. The interlocking shapes of the metal housing parts create inherent anti-rotation capability without requiring additional active locking mechanisms, thus maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
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 robust and durable housing that maintains a secure, non-rotatable connection between housing parts, enhancing thermal and mechanical resistance, particularly suitable for metal housings like aluminum, and allows for easy detachment when needed.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element having an elastically movable portion along the attachment direction from an attachment surface of one of the housing parts to the other of the housing parts for connecting the housing parts
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~4B
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A housing for a plug-type connector comprises a first housing part and a second housing part which can be connected to the first housing part and has a fastening device for fastening an electric cable to the housing, wherein the second housing part is to be attached to the first housing part in an attachment direction in order to connect to the first housing part, and, in a connected position, is mechanically connected to the first housing part in such a way that the second housing part is held on the first housing part against the attachment direction. In addition, an elastically adjustable locking element (4) is provided, this locking element being arranged on one of the housing parts (2, 3) and assuming a locking position in the connected position of the housing parts (2, 3), the locking element (4) engaging with an engagement section (34) of the other of the housing parts (2, 3) in said locking position in such a way that the second housing part (3) is locked relative to the first housing part (2) against a rotation direction (S) which is directed around the attachment direction (A). In this way, a housing for a plug-type connector is provided, which housing allows secure and reliable connection of the housing parts to one another, in particular a connection which is secured against rotation, so that the housing parts are held against one another in a secure and reliable manner in the connected position.