Position Assurance Connector for Secure Latching Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with position assurance elements face challenges in verifying a secure connection while maintaining compactness and preventing unintentional release.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that includes a position assurance element with a contact receptacle and a housing with a latching mechanism, allowing for secure insertion and detection of a completed electrical connection through the alignment and electrical contact of elements, ensuring the connector remains securely attached to a mating connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a position assurance element is added to secure the connection, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position assurance element integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical retention through the latching mechanism, electrical connection through the contact element, and position verification through the captivation state. This merging reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The position assurance element serves multiple purposes simultaneously: securing the electrical connection, indicating connection status, and preventing unintentional release. This multi-functionality addresses several requirements with a single element, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If verification mechanisms are added to confirm secure connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position assurance element automatically indicates its own captivation state and connection status through its mechanical configuration. The element's position and electrical contact state provide self-verification without requiring external monitoring systems or additional verification components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection state of the position assurance element provides feedback about the connection status. When the element is captivated, it establishes electrical contact that can be detected to confirm proper connection, providing immediate feedback to the user or system.
3Volume of moving object
If the connector is made compact, then the volume is reduced, but the reliability of connection verification may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The position assurance element is nested within the connector housing, with its contact element received in a contact receptacle that is part of the housing structure. This nesting arrangement allows the verification functionality to be integrated within the compact connector volume without requiring external verification components.
Solution Approach 2:
The position assurance element utilizes the depth dimension of the connector by extending from the front surface into the housing. The contact element reaches into the contact receptacle along the insertion direction, allowing verification functionality to be achieved within the existing connector footprint without increasing overall size.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a connector position assurance element having a contact receptacle for receiving an electrical contact element, and a connector housing having a contact receptacle for receiving another electrical contact element and a receptacle for receiving the connector position assurance element.