Plug Connector Locking Device Axial Play Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plug connectors experience wear and tear due to high mechanical loads and vibrations, leading to reduced durability in high-vibration environments, such as in electric or hybrid vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A plug connection system featuring an actuating device that adjusts the holding and counter-pressure elements to eliminate axial play by pressing them firmly against the locking projection, ensuring a rigid, play-free connection between the plug connector and mating connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional locking device with holding element is used, then the plug connector can be detached and reattached, but axial play remains between the holding element and locking projection leading to wear and tear under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device transitions from a static connection to a dynamic two-position system. The actuating device enables the holding element to be adjusted between a release position (for detachment) and a fixing position (for rigid fixation), allowing the system to adapt its state based on operational requirements while eliminating axial play in the fixing position to prevent vibration-induced wear
Solution Approach 2:
The axial distance between the holding element and counter-pressure element is changed between two discrete values: a first distance in the release position allowing detachment, and a second (smaller) distance in the fixing position that eliminates axial play. This parameter change transforms the connection from play-prone to rigid, preventing wear and tear under vibration while maintaining detachability
2Reliability
If the holding element is pressed firmly against the locking projection to eliminate axial play, then durability under vibration improves, but the complexity of the locking device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating device performs multiple functions: it adjusts the holding element to the fixing position to eliminate axial play, maintains the element in this position during operation, and enables return to the release position for detachment. This multi-functionality achieves rigid fixation without requiring separate mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating device integrates the adjustment mechanism, positioning feature, and release mechanism into a single integrated component. By merging these functions into one device rather than using separate mechanisms, the patent achieves the required rigid fixation while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
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 enhances the durability and stability of the plug connection by eliminating axial play, facilitating a secure and vibration-resistant coupling process while maintaining user-friendly adjustment and disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient member biases the tubular sleeve and outer tubular housing against each other
Implementation Method 2
Also located inside the outer tubular housing is a spring which is part of a release mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug connector (100), in particular a high-current plug, comprising a locking device (20) for the play-free axial fixing of the plug connector with respect to a mating plug connector (200) in a closed position coupled to the mating plug connector, wherein the locking device (20) has a retaining element (22) such as a latching clip to engage axially behind a locking projection (202) on the mating plug connector in the closed position, and a mating pressure element (24) which is located opposite the retaining element (22) in such a way that the locking projection (202) can be accommodated between the retaining element (22) and the mating pressure element (24) in the closed position. According to the invention, an actuating device (30) for pressing on retaining element (22) and/or mating pressure element (24) is formed on the locking projection (202) in a fixing position (II).