Plug Connection Locking Clip With Z-Beam Catch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connection locking mechanisms are inadequate in preventing unintentional separation of housings due to lack of effective protection against vibrations, environmental factors, or negligence.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable locking clip with a catch mechanism that has a folded-out and folded-in position, utilizing a hinged connection and swivel joint for secure locking and unlocking, which is mounted in a captive manner on one of the plug connection housings to prevent unintentional separation and can be further secured with additional devices like locks or wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking clips are used without additional protection mechanisms, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the reliability against unintentional separation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into functionally independent components: the locking clip for primary locking and the catch for secondary protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch is designed to automatically engage in advance during the locking process, providing preliminary protection before the final locked state is achieved. This preliminary action ensures that even if the locking clip fails, the catch prevents unintentional separation.
2Reliability
If a catch mechanism with hinged connection is added to prevent unintentional opening, then the reliability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The catch mechanism is designed to perform many operations automatically without requiring additional user actions. During locking, the catch engages automatically when the locking clip is actuated. During unlocking, the catch releases automatically when the locking clip moves to the unlocked position, making the system self-serving and minimizing additional operational steps.
3Reliability
If the catch is designed to be captive on the locking clip, then the reliability against loss improves, but the device complexity increases due to mounting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The catch is merged with the locking clip through a mounting connection that integrates both components into a single functional unit. This merging ensures the catch remains captive and cannot be lost, while the integration reduces overall complexity compared to having separate, independently mounted components.
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 catch mechanism effectively prevents unintentional separation or connection of plug connection housings, ensuring reliable locking and unlocking operations while maintaining stability and reducing the risk of injury or damage, and can be produced in a cost-effective manner.
Implementation Method 1
the locking clip is mounted on one of the two housings in a rotatable manner. The locking clip has a locked position and an unlocked position
Implementation Method 2
The catch has at least one hinged connection, wherein the catch can adopt a folded-out position and a folded-in position
Implementation Method 3
spring elements arranged on the side parts thereof overlap locking pins arranged on the other plug connection half, and wherein the top end of the spring elements overlaps the respective locking pins of the other plug connection half when closing the locking clip, and thus acts on the locking pins such that the two plug connection halves are pressed against one another in a resilient manner
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector having two housings and a locking clip and a catch for locking and unlocking the two housings is provided, wherein the locking clip is rotatably mounted on one of the two housings. The catch comprises at least one part and is arranged on the locking clip. It has a folded-out position and a folded-in position. In addition, the catch has at least one articulated connection and is formed in the shape of a Z-beam or Z-support. The catch prevents inadvertent opening and closing of the locking clip with simultaneously simple handling for the user. Methods for locking and unlocking a plug connection are also provided. The catch 2 when folded down (FIG. 1) blocks the locking clip 1 against movement to an unlocked position. The catch 2 when folded upward (FIG. 2) permits free motion of the locking clip 1 to the unlocked position to permit separation of the housings.