Plug Connector Locking Element with Pressing and Deflection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plug-in connector parts require inconvenient manual actuation of the locking element for unlocking, which can be cumbersome and may not suit all user preferences or scenarios, especially when the locking element and actuation mechanism are not optimally positioned for easy access.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in connector part design featuring a pressing element that can be actuated in a first direction and is connected to a deflection element, allowing the actuation force to be translated into a different direction to unlock the locking element, enabling intuitive operation by separating the pressing element from the locking element and allowing actuation via a pistol trigger-like mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking element is actuated directly by hand on its actuation portion, then the locking mechanism can be operated, but the operation is cumbersome and inconvenient for users
Solution Approach 1:
A pressing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the user's finger and the locking element. The pressing element transmits the actuating force to the locking element through a deflection element, enabling convenient operation without requiring direct manual manipulation of the locking element itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the pressing element for user interaction, the deflection element for force transmission and direction change, and the locking element for the actual locking function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while improving overall ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the pressing element is positioned close to the locking element for direct actuation, then the structure is compact, but the user cannot easily access the actuation point when gripping the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing element is positioned on the outer circumference of the housing, perpendicular to the plug-in direction, rather than adjacent to the locking element along the plug-in axis. This spatial repositioning in a different dimension allows users to easily access the pressing element with their fingers while gripping the connector body, solving the accessibility problem without significantly increasing the connector's overall volume.
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 enhances operational convenience by allowing users to easily unlock the connector with either the thumb or forefinger, improving usability and accessibility without interfering with the locking mechanism's operation.
Implementation Method 1
operatively connected to the locking element by a deflection element in order to act, by the deflection element, on the locking element in a second actuation direction that is different to the first actuation direction
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-in connector part for connection to an associated mating plug-in connector part includes: a housing; a plug-in portion arranged on the housing and pluggable into an associated mating plug-in connector part in a plug-in direction and is engaged with the mating plug-in connector part when in a connected position, at least one electrical contact element being arranged on the plug-in portion and for electrically contacting the mating plug-in connector part; a locking element that is movably arranged on the housing, the locking element having a locking position for locking the plug-in connector part with respect to the mating plug-in connector part in the connected position, and being movable out of the locking position to unlock the connection between the plug-in connector part and the mating plug-in connector part; and a pressing element movably arranged on the housing, the pressing element being actuable in a first actuation direction.