Plug Connector Housing Secondary Locking Spacer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current contact systems in the automotive sector require additional parts and increased costs to ensure correct primary latching of latching hooklets, and lack a method to test and secure the position of latching arms in multi-part contact chamber systems.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a second locking projection (spacer element) on secondary locking elements that tests and secures the correct primary latching position of latching arms during plug connector preparation without additional time or cost, utilizing the secondary locking function to achieve dual security tests with a single element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spacer elements are added to test and secure primary latching position, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spacer element function with the secondary locking element into a single integrated component. The secondary locking element includes both the locking projection for secondary locking and the spacer projection for testing and securing primary latching position, eliminating the need for separate spacer elements and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary locking element is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides secondary locking of the contact and simultaneously tests and secures the primary latching position through its integrated spacer projection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional dedicated spacer elements.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional spacer elements are used to test primary latching, then contact position verification is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer function is merged into the secondary locking element, which is already a required component for secondary locking. This integration eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble separate spacer elements, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining contact position verification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary locking element serves dual purposes: it performs secondary locking and simultaneously verifies contact position through its spacer projection. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, lowering overall manufacturing costs.
3Measurement precision
If separate spacer elements are added for latching verification, then position testing capability is improved, but preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position testing function is combined with the secondary locking operation into a single integrated action. When the secondary locking element is inserted, it simultaneously performs secondary locking and tests the primary latching position through its spacer projection, eliminating the need for separate testing steps and reducing preparation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary locking element performs multiple functions in a single operation: it provides secondary locking and simultaneously tests and secures the primary latching position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for sequential operations, thereby reducing overall preparation time.
4Reliability
If additional parts are added to ensure primary latching, then security testing is improved, but quantity of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element function is merged into the existing secondary locking element, eliminating the need for additional separate parts. The integrated design maintains all necessary security testing capabilities while reducing the total quantity of parts in the connector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary locking element is designed to perform multiple security-related functions: it provides secondary locking and simultaneously tests and secures the primary latching position through its integrated spacer projection. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts needed while maintaining comprehensive security testing.
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
Enhances functional reliability of wiring harness preparation by ensuring correct contact position without additional parts or costs, allowing for independent security tests to be performed simultaneously with the secondary locking function.
Implementation Method 1
the spacer element is disposed and dimensioned so that they allow unlimited deflection of the latching arm during the placement operation and upon closure of the secondary locking system are displaced behind at least the upper part of the latching arm so as to prevent inadvertent opening of the primary latch
Implementation Method 2
the latching arm 5 is elastically deflected until, by further insertion, latching hook 14 ultimately engages or snaps into latching recess 10
Data Source
AI summary
A contact housing for an electrical plug connector, having multiple contact chambers for receiving a respective contact body insertable through a placement opening into the contact chamber having, a respective elastically deflectable latching arm, protruding laterally into the contact chamber, for primary latching of the contact body inserted to its end position into the contact chamber, and having a respective locking element, displaceably guided transversely to the insertion direction of the contact body, that in its locked position protrudes, with a first locking projection, laterally into the contact chamber for secondary locking of the contact body latched in primary fashion therein. Provision is made that the locking element has a second locking projection that, in the locked position of the locking element, blocks the latching arm against deflection out of its position protruding into the contact chamber.