Plug Connector Locking Element With Readable Optical Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector designs face challenges in implementing a practical and cost-effective method for monitoring optical coding, particularly in ensuring the correct mechanical and electrical connection, which is safety-critical and often relies on visual identifiers and cover features that are not universally applicable.
Innovation Solution
The design features a locking element composed of two displaceable parts, each carrying a partial section of an optical code, which are secured together to form a complete, uninterrupted code recognizable by an automatic reading device, eliminating the need for covering and exposing mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual indicators and cover features are used to indicate connection status, then the connection state can be visually recognized, but the solution is not universally applicable and requires complex covering and exposing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical code from the complex covering/exposing mechanism and places it directly on the locking element. The optical code is always visible when the locking element is visible, eliminating the need for additional covering features while maintaining visual indication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an optical code (barcode or data matrix) as a simplified visual indicator that can be read automatically. This optical copy replaces the need for complex visual indicator mechanisms, providing universal applicability across different connector types.
2Reliability
If a single locking element carries the complete optical code, then the code is always complete, but the locking element cannot provide mechanical locking through relative displacement of code parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the locking element into two separable parts, with each part carrying a portion of the optical code. When the parts are separated, the optical code is interrupted; when joined, the complete code is formed. This segmentation enables the locking mechanism to indicate its state through the completeness of the optical code.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mechanical locking function with the optical coding function in a single integrated system. The two parts of the locking element both provide mechanical interlocking and carry segments of the optical code, merging structural and informational functions.
3Loss of information
If the optical code is divided into partial sections on movable parts, then the code can indicate locking state through displacement, but the code may be interrupted and unreadable in unlocked positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a feedback mechanism where the completeness of the optical code directly indicates the locking state. When the locking element is properly engaged, the optical code is complete and readable, providing positive feedback that the connection is secure. When disconnected, the code is interrupted, providing negative feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the optical code segments on the locking element parts such that they are pre-aligned to form a complete code when the locking element is in the correct locked position. This preliminary arrangement ensures that proper assembly automatically produces a readable code without requiring additional adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes an electrical plug connector having a plug connector housing (1), wherein a connecting lever (3) is arranged on the plug connector housing and can be rotated and/or displaced with respect to the plug connector housing, wherein the connecting lever has a locking element (7) which can be displaced in relation to the plug connector housing and mechanically locks the connecting lever to the plug connector housing in a locking position, and wherein the locking element bears an optical code which can be fully detected and decoded by an optical reading device precisely when the locking element is in the locking position, wherein the locking element consists of two parts which can be displaced in relation to each other and both of which bear a portion of the optical code, wherein the optical code is completed when the two parts are in a displaced position, and wherein one of the parts is fixed to the connecting lever by latching means.