Radially Acting Latching Device for Plug Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-type connectors lack reliable mechanisms to prevent unintended release of the plugged connection, especially under vibrations, while maintaining simple and easy manual connection and disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A plug-type connector featuring a radially acting latching device with a spring-elastic ring and a movable bolt that engages in the ring's gap to prevent radial compression, allowing secure locking and release only through controlled measures, along with an elastic spring element for automatic locking and a device for electrical testing to ensure safe connection status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring-elastic ring is used for radial latching, then easy manual connection and disconnection is achieved, but unintended release under vibrations occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a bolt that preemptively blocks the gap in the spring-elastic ring. This blocking mechanism prevents the ring from compressing radially under vibrational forces before unintended release can occur. The bolt acts as a preventive measure that counteracts the harmful effect of vibrations on the latching connection.
2Reliability
If a blocking device is added to prevent radial compression, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the blocking function with the existing latching structure by integrating the bolt into the housing and having it interact directly with the spring-elastic ring's gap. This combination approach adds the necessary blocking capability without creating a completely separate complex mechanism. The bolt and spring ring work together as a unified latching system.
3Ease of manufacture
If the ring inner diameter is made greater than housing outer diameter, then easy assembly is achieved, but radial compression control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the bolt to block the gap in the spring-elastic ring before radial compression occurs. This preliminary blocking action ensures that even though the ring's inner diameter is larger than the housing's outer diameter (enabling easy assembly), the radial compression is controlled and prevented from causing unintended release.
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 ensures reliable prevention of unintended connection release, facilitates easy and low-force manual connection and disconnection, and provides a secure and safe electrical connection status verification, protecting against accidental electric shocks.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-elastic ring which can be compressed and expanded radially in a resilient manner
Implementation Method 2
a bolt, which can be moved between a locking position and a release position, is arranged on the housing in such a way that in the locking position the bolt engages in the gap in the ring and prevents radial compression of the ring
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-type connector having an external conductor part, at least one internal conductor part, and a housing, wherein a radially acting latching device for mechanically releaseably locking the plug-type connector in a plugged-in state is provided on an outer circumference of the housing, the latching device being produced from a spring-elastic material in the form of a ring which has a gap in the circumferential direction, wherein a bolt which can be moved between a locking position and a release position is arranged on the housing such that the bolt engages in the gap in the ring preventing radial compression of the ring in the locking position, and, in the release position, releases the gap in the ring so that the ring can be radially compressed when a stop edge runs onto one of the chamfers on the sides of the ring when the plug-connected state is established or released.