Plug Connector Latching Mechanism Axial Load Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical plug connectors face challenges in achieving ease of assembly and strength, as screw-type latching mechanisms are difficult to assemble and require strong materials to handle axial loads, while latch-type mechanisms often fail under axial loading.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design featuring a back shell with external threads, resilient clamping tines, and a latching mechanism that allows for easy assembly and rotation to secure the connection, distributing axial loads through multiple projections and a collar system, reducing strain on the latching components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screw-type latching mechanisms are used, then strength is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is segmented into multiple independent latches (first latch and second latch) that can engage simultaneously with corresponding features on the connector body, distributing the locking function across multiple simple elements rather than requiring a complex threaded fastening operation
Solution Approach 2:
A resilient latch member acts as an intermediary between the simple latch structure and the connector body, providing the necessary mechanical advantage and force multiplication to achieve strong engagement through a simple snap-fit motion rather than requiring threaded fastening
2Ease of operation
If latch-type mechanisms are used, then ease of assembly is improved, but strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple latching features (first latch and second latch on the sleeve, with corresponding engagement features on the connector body) are merged to work together as a unified locking system, distributing axial loads across multiple engagement points rather than relying on a single latch
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism combines resilient material properties (elastic deformation of latch members) with rigid structural features (engagement protrusions and recesses), creating a composite system that achieves both ease of assembly through elastic snap-fit and strength through rigid load-bearing engagement surfaces
3Strength
If stronger materials are used to handle axial loads, then strength is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is transitioned from the latch members (zero-dimensional points) to distributed engagement surfaces (two-dimensional areas), where the axial load is borne by the broad contact surfaces between the sleeve features and connector body features rather than by the strength of the latch material itself
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 design provides a strong and easy-to-assemble electrical plug connector that maintains connection integrity under axial loads without requiring excessive material strength, ensuring reliability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
resilient clamping tines
Implementation Method 2
external threads
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector includes a back shell defining a sleeve having a projection and a locking bale. A connector shell defining a collar is configured to receive the sleeve of the back shell. The collar includes an axial channel to receive the projection of the back shell and a circumferential channel coupled to the axial channel to allow rotation of the back shell relative to the connector shell. A resilient latch is located over the circumferential channel and arranged to be resiliently deflected by the bale when the back shell is rotated about the longitudinal axis between an inserted position and a locked position. The latch including a retention mechanism to retain the bale when fully rotated into the locked position.