Plug Connector Assembly Locking via Stamped Spring Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connector assemblies face challenges in reliably locking the second plug connector part to the first plug connector part without complex manufacturing processes for locking elements.
Innovation Solution
The use of stamped/bent parts forming spring arms or detent recesses on the printed circuit board and the second plug connector part, which establish mechanical detent connections when connected, ensuring secure locking without requiring detent elements on the first plug connector part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking elements are implemented by displaceable housing parts of the plug connector parts, then the two plug connector parts can be reliably locked together, but the manufacture of these locking elements becomes relatively complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into two independent parts: detent recesses in the first plug connector part and spring arms in the second plug connector part. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simpler processes, while still achieving reliable locking when assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arms are designed to automatically engage with the detent recesses when the plug connector parts are connected. The elastic deformation of the spring arms provides self-locking functionality without requiring complex displaceable housing parts or additional locking mechanisms.
2Reliability
If detent elements are provided on the first plug connector part, then the second plug connector part can be locked to the first plug connector part, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing detent elements on the first plug connector part as conventionally done, the invention inverts the approach by placing detent recesses on the first plug connector part and spring arms on the second plug connector part. This inversion simplifies the overall structure while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent elements are extracted from the first plug connector part and relocated to the second plug connector part as spring arms. This extraction reduces the complexity of the first plug connector part while preserving the locking function through the spring arm-detent recess engagement.
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 allows for simple and reliable locking of the second plug connector part to the printed circuit board and the first plug connector part, preventing inadvertent disconnection while avoiding complex manufacturing processes for locking elements.
Implementation Method 1
each stamped/bent part forms a spring arm that is movable in one-piece in parallel to the surface of the printed circuit board, and when the plug connector parts are connected, an end section of each spring arm engages in respective detent recesses
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector assembly includes a first plug connector part arranged on a printed circuit board (PCB) and a second plug connector part. Stamped/bent parts are positioned next to respective sides of the first plug connector part and are fastened to the PCB. In one variation, each stamped/bent part forms a spring arm, and when the plug connector parts are connected, end sections of the spring arms engage in respective detent recesses (or notches) in a base body of the second plug connector part thereby fixing the plug connector parts together. In another variation, each stamped/bent part has a detent recess, and a base body of the second plug connector part has spring arms on respective sides of the base body which lock with the detent recesses in the stamped/bent parts when the plug connector parts are connected thereby fixing the plug connector parts together.