Plug Connector Locking Element with Curved Web
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plug connector locking elements with full-surface fastening sections are overly stiff, leading to high stress concentrations and potential material fatigue, especially under varying environmental conditions like humidity and heat.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a locking element with fastening sections formed by a first and second web element in a V-shape, connected via a third web element with arcuate curvature, allowing for even stress distribution and elasticity, preventing voltage peaks and enhancing fatigue strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the fastening sections are designed with a full-surface structure to secure the housing parts, then the locking stability is improved, but the fastening sections become overly stiff leading to high stress concentrations and material fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening section is segmented into multiple web elements (first web element, second web element, and third web element) instead of a solid full-surface structure. These web elements are arranged to form through openings, creating a lattice-like structure that maintains stability while reducing stiffness and stress concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The third web element is designed with an arcuate curvature rather than a straight configuration. This curvature allows the web element to flex and absorb stresses, preventing stress peaks while maintaining the structural integrity and locking stability of the fastening section.
2Force
If the fastening sections are made rigid to ensure secure locking, then the locking force is improved, but the stress peaks in critical areas lead to rapid material fatigue and potential breakage
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the fastening section into multiple web elements with through openings, the structure maintains sufficient locking force through the distributed web elements while avoiding the stress concentration that occurs in rigid solid structures. The segmented design allows stress to be distributed across multiple paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate curvature of the third web element provides flexibility that allows the fastening section to absorb and distribute locking forces without creating stress peaks. The curved geometry enables elastic deformation that protects against material fatigue while maintaining adequate locking force.
3Ease of manufacture
If the fastening sections are designed with simple straight web elements for easy manufacturing, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the stress distribution is uneven leading to poor fatigue resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented web element design with through openings can be efficiently manufactured using injection molding or similar plastic forming processes. The segmentation into standard web element configurations maintains manufacturing simplicity while significantly improving stress distribution and fatigue resistance compared to solid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate curvature of the third web element can be integrated into the molding process without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity. This curved design provides superior stress distribution and fatigue resistance compared to straight web elements, while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing methods.
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
The solution provides improved tolerance compensation, fatigue strength, and dimensional stability, enabling the plug connector to withstand increased loads and environmental changes while maintaining usability over time.
Implementation Method 1
The third web element has an arcuate curvature. The fastening sections are designed to be elastic, but at the same time have a high, lasting dimensional stability. The elasticity means that loads acting on the fastening sections can be absorbed and dampened.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for closing a plug connector housing which has a first housing part (1) and a second housing part (1). The device comprises a locking element (3) that has an elongated handle (4) and two fixing portions (5), each of which is connected to the handle (4). Each fixing portion (5) has a first connecting element (6) and a second connecting element (7) which are arranged in the shape of a "V" relative to each other and each of which has a free end portion (8, 9) for fixing to bearing pins (10, 11) formed on the first housing part (1) and on the second housing part (2). At least one third connecting element (14) which has a curvature is arranged between the first connecting element (6) and the second connecting element (7) such that each fixing portion (5) has a through-opening (19) which is delimited by the first connecting element (6), the second connecting element (7), and the third connecting element (14).