Lever-Locked Plug Connector With Optical Code Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical plug connectors face challenges in ensuring secure and reliable mechanical and electrical connections, particularly in determining and documenting the correct locking position of locking elements using optical encoding, which is not easily achievable for all types of connectors.
Innovation Solution
The electrical plug connector features a connecting lever with a locking element composed of two displaceable parts, each carrying a section of an optical code, which is fully detectable and decodable only when in the locking position, allowing seamless optical detection without concealment or exposure mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking element with optical encoding is used to verify correct locking position, then connection verification reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional optical components and mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is divided into two separable parts: a first locking element part that remains on the plug connector housing and a second locking element part that moves with the connecting lever. Each part carries a section of the optical code, and only when properly engaged do the sections form a complete, readable optical code that verifies correct locking position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical verification mechanisms with a simpler optical detection system. Instead of using intricate mechanical interlocks or visual inspection mechanisms, the invention uses an optical reading device to detect the optical code formed by the engaged locking element parts, providing reliable verification through non-contact optical sensing.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If visual markings with cover features are used to indicate locking status, then connection status detection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to concealed information requiring manual inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection of concealed markings with automatic optical detection. The optical reading device automatically reads the optical code when the locking element is in the correct position, eliminating the need for users to manually inspect concealed visual markings or interpret cover feature positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by automatically detecting whether the locking element is properly engaged through optical code reading. The connection status is self-evident through the optical detection system, eliminating the need for manual verification steps or user interpretation of concealed markings.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical plug connector includes a plug connector housing and a connecting lever. The connecting lever is rotatable with respect to the plug connector housing between an initial position and an end position. The connecting lever includes a locking element having a first part fixed to the connecting lever and a second part displaceable relative to the first part. The locking element mechanically locks the connecting lever in the end position to the plug connector housing when the connecting lever is in the end position and the second part is displaced relative to the first part to a locking position. The first and second parts of the locking element respectively carry first and second sections of an optical code. The optical code is completed when the second part is displaced relative to the first part to the locking position whereby the optical code is detectable by an optical reading device.