Plug Connector Locking Element for Secure Compact Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors lack a simple and secure locking mechanism that ensures reliable electrical connections while maintaining a compact structure and easy handling.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector with a resilient locking element that extends through a passage in the housing, accessible via an actuating opening, allowing for secure locking and unlocking of the electrical connection, featuring a clamping portion attached to a second end wall and a guide channel for an actuating element, enabling reversible deformation for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to ensure secure electrical connection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is divided into functionally distinct portions: a resilient portion for deformation, a locking portion with latching element for engagement, and an actuating portion for control. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element utilizes elastic resilience to dynamically adapt between locked and unlocked states. The resilient portion deforms during actuation and automatically returns to its original position, providing secure locking without complex mechanical assemblies
2Reliability
If a resilient locking element is used for secure locking, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element's resilient properties are optimized through material selection and geometric design of the resilient portion. By carefully designing the thickness, length, and cross-section of the resilient portion, the element achieves reliable locking function while accommodating normal manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient portion acts as a cushioning element that absorbs manufacturing variations and assembly tolerances. Its elastic properties provide a buffer that ensures reliable locking function even when dimensional parameters are within normal manufacturing ranges rather than requiring extreme precision
3Ease of operation
If the locking element is accessible via actuating opening for easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating portion of the locking element is made accessible through an actuating opening in the housing, allowing external manipulation. This extraction of the actuation function to the accessible surface enables easy operation without requiring disassembly or complex internal mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating opening serves multiple functions: it provides access to the actuating portion for manual operation, allows the locking element to be actuated from the exterior, and maintains a compact housing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate actuation mechanisms
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 provides a compact, secure, and easy-to-handle plug connector with enhanced safety features, ensuring reliable locking and unlocking of electrical connections, preventing unintended disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element is resilient at least in certain portions and is mounted in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector includes at least one plug-in contact for forming an electrical plug connection with at least one mating plug-in contact of a mating plug connector in a plug-in direction. On a side of a plug-in face of the plug connector, the at least one plug-in contact extends at least partially from a first end wall of a housing of the plug connector in the plug-in direction. The plug connector has a locking element for locking the electrical plug connection with the mating plug connector, the locking element being arranged in the housing and extending at least partially through a passage in the first end wall in a direction of the at least one plug-in contact. The locking element is resilient at least in certain portions and is mounted in the housing. The locking element is accessible via an actuating opening on the housing.