Plug Connector Assembly with Spring Arm Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector arrangements face challenges in reliably determining a complete and correct connection between connector parts without requiring additional contact elements or connection lines, as existing methods often result in premature signal detection due to tolerances and increased dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The connector arrangement employs stamped and bent parts with spring arms that engage in latching recesses on the second connector part, creating both mechanical and electrical connections, allowing for secure fixing and monitoring of the connection status without additional contact elements or lines, utilizing a metal connecting element for electronic monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional contact elements or connection lines are used to monitor connection status, then connection monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arms serve dual functions: they provide mechanical locking engagement with the detent recess to secure the connector parts together, and simultaneously establish electrical connections for monitoring the connection status. This eliminates the need for separate monitoring contact elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring function is merged into the existing spring arms and contact elements that are already part of the connector assembly. The electrical connection paths are integrated into the mechanical connection structure, combining locking and monitoring functions in a single unified system.
2Reliability
If additional contact elements or connection lines are used to monitor connection status, then connection monitoring capability is improved, but the size of the connector assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arms serve dual functions: they provide mechanical locking engagement with the detent recess to secure the connector parts together, and simultaneously establish electrical connections for monitoring the connection status. This eliminates the need for separate monitoring contact elements.
3Reliability
If a short-circuit bridge is used to monitor connection status, then connection monitoring is enabled, but premature signal detection occurs due to tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arms are pre-loaded with elastic force that maintains continuous contact pressure. This preliminary action ensures that the electrical connection is only established when the mechanical locking engagement is fully achieved, preventing premature signals while ensuring reliable detection at the correct moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arms utilize elastic deformation to dynamically adapt to tolerance variations in the mechanical engagement. The spring force automatically compensates for dimensional tolerances, ensuring that electrical contact is made only when the connector parts are properly mated, regardless of manufacturing variations.
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
This solution ensures a simple and reliable method to determine complete connection status, preventing accidental disconnection and allowing for permanent monitoring without increasing the number of poles or size, particularly beneficial in safety-critical applications like autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the spring arms can be elastically deformable in the inserted state
Implementation Method 2
the spring arms establish at least one electrical connection to contact elements of the second connector part when the connector parts are fully connected
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Described is a plug connector assembly comprising a first plug connector part that includes a plurality of first contact elements on a printed circuit board, and comprising a second plug connector part which can be joined to the first plug connector part and retains a plurality of second contact elements on a base, said second contact elements being electrically and mechanically connectable to the first contact elements of the first plug connector part. On both sides of the first plug connector part, punched-and-bent parts are connected to the circuit board. When the two plug connector parts are fully connected to one another, an electrical connection is established between at least one punched-and-bent part and a contact element of the second plug connector part or, alternatively, an electrical connection is established between the two punched-and-bent parts, each of said electrical connections being suitable for electronically recognizing and/or monitoring the connection between the two plug connector parts.