Plug Connector Locking Mechanism for Sealed Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for plug connector housings require significant effort and are not self-explanatory, especially when a seal is provided between the housing parts, leading to impaired automatic latching and confusing operation.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism featuring a push button that moves axially to minimize the gap between housing parts, providing a seal while maintaining easy operation, with a locking element that cooperates with the push button to ensure effective sealing and locking without compromising the mechanism's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealing element is provided between the two housing parts, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the automatic latching function is impaired and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a push button for actuation, a locking element with lever arm for mechanical advantage, and a sealing element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the seal to compress without interfering with the latching mechanism's automatic engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the push button and the housing parts. It translates the linear motion of the push button into the necessary movements for both locking and sealing, mediating between the user's simple pushing action and the complex requirements of simultaneous latching and sealing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealing element is provided between the two housing parts, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the latching connection becomes more complex and confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and sealing functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The locking element simultaneously performs both locking (by engaging the latching protrusion) and sealing (by compressing the sealing element between itself and the housing part), eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed as a multi-functional component that serves multiple purposes: it acts as a lever for mechanical advantage, engages with the latching protrusion to secure the housing parts, and compresses the sealing element to create the seal. This universality reduces the number of separate components needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If manual actuation force is applied to compress the sealing element, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the operating force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element functions as a dynamic lever that changes its mechanical advantage during the actuation process. As the push button is pressed, the locking element pivots and transforms the linear force into amplified force at the sealing interface, providing dynamic force multiplication rather than requiring constant high force from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves as a force-multiplying intermediary between the user's push button actuation and the sealing element compression. It translates small manual forces into the large compressive forces needed for effective sealing through its lever arm mechanism.
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 mechanism allows for convenient and intuitive locking and unlocking of the housing parts while maintaining a seal, simplifying the operation and ensuring the locking mechanism's functionality is not impaired by the presence of a sealing element.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element arranged in the channel, which exerts a force on the locking element
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism for first and second housing parts of a housing of a plug connector, includes a push button, which extends in the axial longitudinal direction through an opening of the first housing part into the interior of the housing. The push button is movably arranged, relative to the housing, between predetermined first and second axial positions, which correspond with the first and second positions of the housing parts. The push button and an interior locking element are configured such that the push button is in pressure contact to the locking element and interacts with the locking element such that, in the case of movement of the push button from the first to the second positions a radial pressure contact between the two housing parts is provided such that a gap between the first and second housing parts is minimized.