Plug Connector Retaining Clip for Vibration-Safe Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors require large installation space, are prone to leakage and damage under high loads, and have complex assembly processes due to latching mechanisms that can fail under vibrations and require additional assembly steps.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a retaining clip with elastic bearing arms that fix the clamp cage in a positive-locking manner, reducing installation space and integrating a pre-assembly lock to prevent incorrect assembly, while ensuring resistance to vibrations and leaks through a tension state that requires full insertion for locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If latching tongues are used to hold the clamp cage in a positive-locking manner, then the clamp cage is securely fixed, but the latching tongues must be dimensioned large requiring relatively large installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimensional parameters of the latching mechanism by using slender latching tongues with optimized cross-sections and lengths. The latching tongues are designed with specific thickness and width ratios that maintain sufficient latching force while minimizing the overall volume occupied by the latching mechanism, thereby reducing installation space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is segmented into multiple slender tongues distributed around the circumference of the clamp cage. Instead of using a single large latching structure, multiple smaller latching tongues are arranged radially, which collectively provide secure fixing while each individual tongue occupies minimal space, reducing the overall installation footprint.
2Reliability
If latching arms are used to prevent the mating connector from moving, then the connector is secured against detachment, but additional assembly steps are required increasing assembly effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the latching arms with the clamp cage structure, integrating the latching function directly into the clamp cage body. The latching arms are formed as integral parts of the clamp cage rather than separate components, which eliminates the need for additional assembly steps to install separate latching mechanisms while maintaining the security against connector detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching arms are designed to automatically engage with the mating connector upon insertion without requiring manual intervention or additional assembly steps. The elastic deformation and automatic latching mechanism allows the connector to secure itself in place, providing self-service functionality that reduces assembly complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If latching arms are made to cover the plug shank over a certain axial length to maintain radial elastic properties, then the elastic properties are maintained, but the surface area overlap with the mating connector is relatively small leading to failure under vibrations and high loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from relying solely on radial elastic properties to incorporating axial engagement dimensions. The latching arms are designed to engage the plug shank not only radially but also axially over an extended length, creating a multi-dimensional engagement that increases the surface area overlap and improves resistance to vibrations and high loads while maintaining radial elastic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching arms are designed with composite structural characteristics, combining elastic materials that provide radial flexibility with rigid engagement surfaces that provide axial stability. This composite approach allows the latching arms to maintain radial elastic properties for accommodation while providing sufficient surface area overlap through axial engagement to resist vibrations and high loads.
4Reliability
If a locking element is arranged on the outer circumference of the sleeve section to prevent unintentional release, then the connector is protected against release, but the locking element can move into lock position without the mating connector being inserted preventing insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary action mechanism where the locking element is pre-positioned in an unlocked state that allows free insertion of the mating connector. The locking element is designed with an initial configuration that permits insertion movement, and only after successful insertion does the locking mechanism engage to prevent unintentional release, ensuring the correct sequence of operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition between unlocked and locked states based on the insertion status. The locking element can move freely during the insertion phase and then automatically transitions to a locked position after insertion is complete, providing adaptability that prevents both unintentional release and insertion interference.
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 design saves installation space, simplifies assembly, enhances resistance to vibrations, and prevents unintentional release by ensuring the retaining clip can only transition to a locked state after full insertion, thus improving safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the bearing arms are elastic radially to the through opening and are designed to be elastically expandable radially to the through opening into a tension state
Data Source
AI summary
A connector having a base element with a through channel fluidically connected to an end of the base element formed as a sleeve section. A clamp cage is inserted into a receptacle channel of the sleeve section and axially held in a positive-locking manner. Two retaining arms of a retaining clip project into a through opening of the clamp cage in a rest state and are elastically expandable radially to the through opening into a tension state. The retaining clip is displaceable between an insertion position where the retaining arms are expandable into their tension state and a blocking position where they are blocked against expansion. The retaining clip has two bearing arms which are radially elastic, fix the clamp cage in the receptacle channel in a positive-locking manner and, in a rest state, project into the through opening and are radially elastically expandable into a tension state.