Position Assurance Connector Contact for Secure Mating Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with position assurance elements lack a straightforward method to verify a secure connection to a mating plug and are not compact enough.
Innovation Solution
The position assurance element is designed with a contact receptacle identical to those in the connector housing, allowing it to serve as an electrical contact element, ensuring a secure connection is confirmed by an established electrical connection, and maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the position assurance element is designed with a contact receptacle identical to those in the connector housing, then verification of secure connection is simplified and device complexity is reduced, but the position assurance element requires additional structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the position assurance function with the electrical contact function by integrating a contact receptacle into the position assurance element. This merging of functions allows the position assurance element to serve dual purposes: securing the mechanical connection and enabling electrical contact verification, thereby simplifying the overall connector structure without significantly complicating manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The position assurance element is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical positioning/locking component and as an electrical contact component. The integrated contact receptacle allows the same element to verify both mechanical connection status and electrical connection status, reducing the need for separate verification mechanisms
2Ease of manufacture
If the contact receptacle in the position assurance element is made substantially identical to contact receptacles in the connector housing, then manufacturing consistency is improved and part standardization is achieved, but the position assurance element occupies additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making the contact receptacle in the position assurance element substantially identical to the contact receptacles in the connector housing. This standardization allows for consistent manufacturing processes, interchangeable components, and simplified quality control, while the compact integration minimizes the additional volume required
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the position assurance element includes an integrated contact receptacle for electrical contact verification, then connection status detection is simplified and measurement precision is improved, but the position assurance element structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The position assurance element performs self-verification of connection status through its integrated contact receptacle. When the connectors are mated, the electrical contact through the position assurance element's receptacle automatically indicates proper connection, eliminating the need for separate detection systems or additional verification steps
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (1) with a connector housing (3) and at least one connector position assurance element (5), wherein the connector housing (3) comprises at least one contact receptacle (7) for an electrical contact element (9, 17) and at least one receptacle (13) for the at least one position assurance element (5). In order to increase the security of the connection between the connector (1) and a mating connector (47) and at the same time to obtain a compact connector (1), it is provided according to the invention that the at least one position assurance element (5) is provided with at least one contact receptacle (15) for an electrical contact element (9, 17)