Electric Plug Connector Secondary Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors in the automotive sector lack sufficient secondary locking mechanisms to prevent unintentional disconnection under vibration loads, relying solely on contact forces and locking edges for mechanical security.
Innovation Solution
A displaceable locking button with pins and a latching hook is integrated onto the bayonet ring, which cooperates with the guide sleeve's surface profile to provide a secondary locking mechanism that can only be released by reversing its position, ensuring the primary locking is secure and easily identifiable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bayonet ring with primary locking is used, then quick and secure connection is achieved, but the connection may loosen under vibration loads without secondary locking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent parts: a bayonet ring for primary locking and a locking button with pin for secondary locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the bayonet ring provides quick connection while the locking button prevents loosening under vibration, resolving the contradiction between connection security and mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking button is designed to be actuated after the bayonet ring is connected, performing a preliminary secondary locking action that secures the primary connection against vibration loads. This sequential locking approach ensures that the primary bayonet connection is established first, then reinforced by the secondary locking button.
2Reliability
If a secondary locking device is added to prevent unintentional disconnection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary locking function is merged with the existing bayonet ring structure by integrating a locking button that displaces along the bayonet ring's circumference. The pin on the locking button cooperates with the guide sleeve's surface profile, combining the secondary locking function with the primary locking structure rather than adding a completely separate mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking button is designed to be manually actuated by the user to engage or disengage the secondary locking. The user themselves operates the locking mechanism by pressing the locking button, eliminating the need for additional automated or complex locking systems.
3Ease of operation
If the locking button position is used to identify locking status, then ease of operation is improved, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking button's position itself serves as the visual indicator - when the button is in its retracted position, the connection is locked; when extended, the connection is unlocked. This positional indication eliminates the need for separate color-coded indicators or additional signaling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking button serves dual functions: it actuates the secondary locking mechanism and simultaneously indicates the locking status through its position. This self-indicating feature provides clear visual feedback without requiring separate indicator components, maintaining simplicity while improving ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
An electric plug connector comprises a first plug connector part with a first housing having electric contact elements, a second plug connector part with a second housing having electric counter-contact elements, a guiding sleeve whose end sections are connected to the first and second plug connector parts, and a bayonet socket on the first and/or second plug connector part for locking at least one plug connector part to the guide sleeve, a locking push button being movably arranged at the circumference of the bayonet socket and having at least one pin that can be moved towards the guide sleeve and interacts with an outer surface profile of the guide sleeve.