Plug Connector Latching System with Pressure Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with latching systems face issues where the latching tab is either not directly connected to the housing, requiring additional work steps, or deforms during the manufacturing process, affecting the latching force. Additionally, connectors with integrated locking tabs can have their latching force compromised due to temperature-related processes during injection molding.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece connector design with a latching system where the latching tab has a pressure lug that exerts a spring force only when placed against the housing, allowing for adjustable latching force and avoiding prestressing during manufacturing. The latching tab is V-shaped with an outer and inner leg, connected via a film hinge, and the pressure tab is inclined to adjust the spring force, ensuring the latching force is not affected by manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the latching tab is integrated into the connector housing as one piece, then the manufacturing process is simplified and additional work steps are eliminated, but the latching tab deforms during injection molding which compromises the latching force
Solution Approach 1:
The latching tab is segmented into multiple functional elements: the pressure tab (8) is separated from the latching lug (9) by a film hinge (7), allowing the pressure tab to be positioned away from the housing during manufacturing while still being part of the integrated structure. This segmentation prevents deformation of the latching portion while maintaining the one-piece advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The film hinge (7) introduces dynamic flexibility to the latching tab structure. The pressure tab can move relative to the latching lug, allowing the structure to adapt during assembly while maintaining precise positioning of the latching elements. This dynamic capability prevents the rigidity-induced deformation problems of fully rigid integrated designs.
2Device complexity
If the pressure lug is connected directly to the connector housing during manufacturing, then the structure is simplified, but the pressure lug is subjected to prestressing that impairs the spring force required for latching
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure tab (8) is segmented from the latching lug (9) by the film hinge (7), creating a movable connection rather than a rigid direct connection to the housing. This allows the pressure tab to exert spring force on the housing without transmitting prestress to the latching lug, preserving the latching force while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The film hinge (7) acts as an intermediary element between the pressure tab and the latching lug. It allows the pressure tab to apply force to the housing while isolating the latching lug from prestressing effects. This intermediary connection preserves both the spring force mechanism and the integrated structure advantage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the latching tab is designed with adjustable pressure tab for varying latching force, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision is compromised due to temperature-related processes
Solution Approach 1:
The film hinge (7) creates a dynamic structure where the pressure tab can be positioned at different angles and distances from the housing during manufacturing. This dynamic positioning allows adjustment of the spring force characteristics without being constrained by rigid thermal expansion issues, as the flexible connection compensates for temperature-related dimensional changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows changing geometric parameters of the pressure tab (such as its length, angle, and position relative to the housing) to adjust the latching force. The film hinge enables these parameter adjustments to be made during manufacturing without causing the prestressing problems that would occur in rigid structures subjected to temperature processes.
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 allows for a consistent and adjustable latching force without additional work steps, ensuring secure connection and disconnection without manufacturing process interference, providing a reliable and efficient latching mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the latching tab has a pressure tab that can be placed against the connector housing in order to exert a spring force
Implementation Method 2
the pressure lug is not subject to any prestressing that is relevant to the later spring force of the locking lug
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a plug connector (1) having a latching system, to be received in and latched to a further plug connector (12), the latching system being arranged on the plug housing (3) and comprising at least one latching clip (2) having a latching lug (9), characterized in that the latching clip (2) has a pressure lug (8), which can be applied to the plug housing (3) in order to exert a spring force. Therefore, the invention specifies a plug connector having a latching system in which the latching force of the latching system is not impaired by the manufacturing process of the plug connector.