Plug Connector Locking Spring Transverse Stop Face
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connector parts experience wobbling and loose contacts due to play in the plugged-together state, which can lead to unintended disconnection of electrical and/or optical connections.
Innovation Solution
The locking spring is enhanced with a transverse stop face to press the plug-in part against the plug connector part housing orthogonally, preventing wobbling and ensuring a play-free connection, combined with a sloping face for automatic deflection and an actuating element for manual disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only a longitudinal stop surface is used for locking, then the locking function is simple, but play and wobbling occur in the plugged-together state
Solution Approach 1:
The locking spring is extended from a single longitudinal stop surface into multiple dimensions by adding transverse stop faces and sloping faces. The transverse stop faces press the plug-in part against the housing in a direction perpendicular to the plug-in direction, eliminating play and wobbling. This dimensional expansion transforms the locking mechanism from one-dimensional (longitudinal only) to multi-dimensional (longitudinal + transverse), resolving the contradiction between connection stability and structural complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a transverse stop face is added to press the plug-in part against the housing, then play and wobbling are eliminated, but the locking spring structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single locking spring component. The locking spring simultaneously provides longitudinal stopping (via longitudinal stop surfaces), transverse pressing (via transverse stop faces), and automatic deflection (via sloping faces). This merging approach achieves precise positioning without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as all functions are integrated into one element rather than requiring separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking spring is designed as a multi-functional element that performs multiple tasks: locking (longitudinal stop), positioning (transverse stop), and automatic engagement (sloping face). This universal design allows a single component to address multiple requirements (preventing pull-out, eliminating play, enabling automatic deflection), thereby achieving high position precision without linearly increasing structural complexity.
3Reliability
If the locking spring is made resilient with multiple faces, then reliable locking and positioning are achieved, but the number of components and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking spring integrates multiple functional faces (longitudinal stop surfaces, transverse stop faces, sloping faces) into a single resilient component. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts compared to using individual elements for each function, and simplifies assembly since the locking spring is installed as one unit that automatically performs all locking and positioning actions when engaged.
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 configuration ensures reliable, play-free connections between plug connector and mating plug connector parts, preventing wobbling and loose contacts, and allows for secure engagement and disengagement of electrical and/or optical contacts.
Implementation Method 1
the locking spring, in the locking position of the locking spring, can press against the plug-in part in a direction transverse, preferably orthogonal, to the plug-in direction
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector part of a plug-in connection, the plug connector part having a plug connector part housing, one or more electrical and/or optical contacts, at least one locking spring, and, in the plug connector part housing, at least one receiving space for insertion of an insertion part of a mating plug connector part of the plug-in connection. When the mating plug part is in the inserted state, completely inserted into the receiving space in an insertion direction, the mating plug connector part is locked by a longitudinal stop surface of the locking spring in a locking position of the locking spring to prevent the insertion part from being pulled out of the receiving. In addition to the longitudinal stop surface, the locking spring has at least one transverse stop surface for pressing the insertion part against the plug part housing in a direction transverse to the insertion direction.