Plug Socket Locking Arm Layout for Compact Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors require more installation space and have complex designs that complicate manufacturing and reduce functional reliability, particularly due to the positioning of unlocking mechanisms which can lead to increased housing dimensions and potential mechanical issues.
Innovation Solution
A design featuring an actuating element with a tongue bent around a parallel axis to the insertion axis, allowing for a shorter and more reliable unlocking mechanism, with a beveled rear side for smooth operation and reduced risk of mechanical interference, and an unlocking surface positioned for optimal leverage, enabling a compact and efficient locking system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the actuating element is designed with conventional tongue positioning, then the unlocking mechanism can be implemented, but the housing dimensions in the insertion direction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating section is formed by bending the actuating element around a bending axis that is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuating element and/or insertion axis. This dimensional reorientation allows the actuating section to be positioned at the outermost rear end without projecting rearwardly, thereby reducing housing length while maintaining unlocking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning the actuating section in front of the rear end of the actuating element (conventional design), the invention inverts this arrangement by positioning the actuating section exactly at the outermost rear end. This inversion eliminates unnecessary length while ensuring the actuating element can still effectively engage and deflect the locking arm
2Ease of manufacture
If the actuating element is made longer to accommodate conventional unlocking mechanisms, then unlocking functionality is ensured, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is segmented into distinct functional sections: a substantially flat main body for mounting and guidance, and a bent actuating section for engaging the locking arm. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness and simplifying manufacturing through standardized bending operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the actuating element by introducing a bending angle that is not 180 degrees (open shape). This parameter change allows the actuating section to achieve the necessary engagement position without increasing the overall length, thereby simplifying the locking mechanism design and reducing manufacturing complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If the actuating section is positioned away from the rear end of the actuating element, then manufacturing is simplified, but the radial dimension of the actuating element increases due to bending angle deviations
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting the bending axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuating element, the invention changes the dimension in which the bending angle deviation affects the geometry. This orientation ensures that bending deviations primarily affect the longitudinal dimension (which is already minimized) rather than the radial dimension, thereby maintaining compact radial dimensions while being tolerant to manufacturing variations
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 design results in a more compact electrical connector with enhanced functional reliability, simplified manufacturing, and reduced risk of mechanical failure, while maintaining effective locking and unlocking functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating section is formed by at least one tongue which is bent around a bending axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuating element and/or the insertion axis
Implementation Method 2
a beveled rear side for smooth operation and reduced risk of mechanical interference
Implementation Method 3
at least one elastically deflectable locking arm with, for example, a locking projection which, when the cable connector is inserted, engages in, for example, an opening, undercut or similar catch on the cable connector
Implementation Method 4
an actuating element which is manually displaceable from a passive position into an active position in which it engages the locking arm
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector, in particular a socket, having a housing (1) in which a first insertion opening (2) is formed, at least one contact carrier (15) for at least one electrical contact element (17), and a locking assembly (25, 26) for an inserted complementary connector. A locking arm (25) can be kept out of engagement with the complementary connector by an actuating element (26) which, starting from a passive position, can be moved manually into an active position. For the shortest possible design of the connector, the actuating part (32) is positioned at the outermost rear end of the actuating element (26) and no part of the actuating element (26) projects rearwardly over it.