Plug Dissolving Arm Mechanism for One-Handed Socket Cover Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical plug-and-socket connections for trailers and tow vehicles face issues with secure sealing and easy handling, particularly in regards to moisture ingress and cumbersome plug removal due to vibration and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A plug design featuring a dissolving arm with a lift part and handling part, integrated into the plug body, allows for one-handed removal by lifting the socket cover and disengaging the spring clasp, while a secure backshell assembly with flexible latches and snap fits ensures moisture sealing and easy disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover is provided over the plug body in the socket, then the sealing and protection of the plug contacts is improved, but the removal of the plug becomes cumbersome requiring two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The dissolving arm is pre-configured in the plug body to automatically interact with the cover's spring clasp mechanism. When the plug is pulled, the dissolving arm's lift part automatically engages with and lifts the cover, eliminating the need for manual cover opening and enabling one-handed plug removal while maintaining sealing protection
2Ease of manufacture
If the socket housing and contact support insert are made as a single component, then manufacturing is simplified, but the rear connection area remains unsealed and vulnerable to moisture ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The socket assembly is divided into separate functional components: the socket housing, the contact support insert, and a distinct backshell assembly. The backshell is specifically designed to seal the rear connection area where wires connect to the contacts, preventing moisture ingress while allowing the main housing and insert to be manufactured efficiently
3Reliability
If the plug is securely retained in the socket, then connection reliability is improved, but the plug cannot be easily removed even with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The dissolving arm mechanism is pre-positioned in the plug body to automatically engage with the cover's spring clasp during removal. This preliminary configuration allows the retained plug to trigger the cover-lifting action automatically when pulled, maintaining secure retention during normal use while enabling easy one-handed removal when needed
Data Source
AI summary
Plug for an electrical plug-and-socket connection having embedded plug contacts being connected with wires leading to the electrical circuit of a vehicle. Plug openings of the plug body in front of the plug contacts for inserting contacts of a socket into the plug openings thereby providing electrical connection between the socket contacts and the plug contacts. A dissolving arm having a lift part and a handling part, the arm being rotatably at a bearing such that upon pressing down the handling part of the dissolving arm in the direction towards the plug body, the lift part of the dissolving arm lifted away from the plug body for lifting a cover of the socket overlying on the plug body and the lift part of the dissolving arm when the plug is being inserted into the socket.