Plug Element Contact Lock Test Path Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug elements with contact lock members face difficulties in reliably checking if the securing position has been correctly reached, often resulting in deformation or incorrect conclusions due to increased force application, especially when the plug element is inserted into a surrounding housing with a sealing element.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a test recess on the contact lock member forms a test path that allows for independent blocking of a test member, preventing uncontrolled movements and deformation, and facilitates a defined path to signal the securing position, which can be supplemented by a test stop on the contact lock member and a securing groove for additional securing and checking functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the plug element is received in a surrounding housing with sealing element, then sealing and protection are improved, but accessibility for checking securing position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A test member is introduced as an intermediary tool to check the securing position of the contact lock member. The test member accesses the test path through the surrounding housing without compromising the seal, allowing verification while maintaining the protective enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The test path is extracted as a separate accessible feature on the contact lock member, allowing the securing position to be checked without needing to access the internal receptacle area directly. This separates the checking function from the sealed enclosure.
2Reliability
If increased force is applied to transfer contact lock member into securing position, then securing is improved, but deformation of contact lock member or contact element occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The test path provides visual feedback about the securing position. By checking whether the test member can fully traverse the test path, one can verify proper engagement without applying excessive force that would cause deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical checking method is replaced with a test path system that allows visual or tactile verification without forceful manipulation. The test member's movement along the defined path substitutes for forceful verification methods.
3Ease of operation
If test path is formed externally on plug element, then checking is simplified, but external dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test path is nested within the existing structure of the contact lock member and plug element. The test recess is formed as an indentation or cavity within the available space, allowing the test path to be integrated without significantly increasing external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The test path utilizes the depth dimension of the contact lock member rather than extending the external length. By forming the test path as a recess or cavity within the existing volume, checking is enabled without proportionally increasing external dimensions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a plug element (1, 1', 1'', 1''', 1'''') with a plugging section (2) which is configured to be able to be brought together in a direction of plugging (Z) of the plug element (1, 1', 1'', 1''', 1'''') with a mating plug element (100) and has at least one receptacle (5) for an electrical plug-in contact, and with a contact lock member (8) which, at least in its securing position (S), projects, at least in sections, into the receptacle (5). In order, with the smallest possible external dimensions of the plug element (1, 1', 1'', 1''', 1''''), to be able simply to feel that the securing position (S) has been reached, provision is made according to the invention for the contact lock member (8) in the securing position (S) to release a test path (P) along which a test member (3, 200) can be moved past a test stop (18).