Plug Connector Locking Arm Layout for Stable Connector Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies face challenges in achieving reliable locking due to the limited space occupied by the locking arm and the positioning of the locking protrusion, which affects the insertion reliability and stability of the connectors.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a plug connector design with two openings on the housing, allowing the locking latches to protrude beyond the housing, maximizing the area covered during locking, and enhancing the locking reliability by optimizing the position and space utilization of the locking arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking arm occupies a relatively large space on the housing, then the locking structure can be implemented, but the position of the locking protrusion on the housing is limited and locking reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking latch is designed to extend beyond the housing in the thickness direction, utilizing the third dimension (depth) rather than only occupying horizontal space on the housing surface. This dimensional transition allows the locking structure to achieve greater locking coverage and reliability without proportionally increasing the footprint area on the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm is segmented into distinct functional portions: a body portion housed within the housing and a locking latch portion extending outward. This segmentation allows the different parts to perform specialized functions - the body portion provides structural support while the locking latch portion provides the actual locking engagement, optimizing both space utilization and locking reliability.
2Reliability
If the locking latch protrudes beyond the housing, then the area covered during locking is maximized, but the complexity of the housing structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is integrated directly into the housing structure as a unified component rather than being a separate assembly. The housing serves dual purposes: providing structural enclosure and housing the locking mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure while still allowing the locking latch to extend beyond the housing for effective engagement.
3Reliability
If two locking arms are provided with openings, then the locking coverage area is maximized, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The openings are pre-formed in the housing structure during the housing manufacturing process, allowing the locking arms to be subsequently installed through these openings. This preliminary preparation of the housing with appropriate openings simplifies the overall assembly process and enables standardized manufacturing workflows, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from trying to assemble the locking mechanism after housing completion.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a receptacle connector assembly and a plug connector. The plug connector includes a housing, a tongue plate and two locking arms. The housing is provided with two openings respectively adjacent to two sides of the housing along a width direction of the plug connector. The two locking arms are installed in the housing, and each locking arm includes a locking latch located at a front end of the locking arm, an abutting portion located at a rear end of the locking arm, and a pivot portion located between the locking latch and the abutting portion. The locking latch is disposed corresponding to a corresponding opening and protrudes beyond the housing along a thickness direction of the plug connector.