Power Connector Assembly Vibration-Resistant Latch Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power connector assemblies face challenges in ensuring a firm and stable connection between male and female connectors, as well as reliable wire coupling, especially under vibrations, which can lead to temporary or permanent disconnection.

Innovation Solution

A securely latched power connector assembly design featuring a male and female connector with conductive terminals and insulating casings, where the conductive terminals have inclined portions and pins to securely retain the wire cores and facilitate electrical connection through coupling structures, preventing misalignment and enhancing stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional connector assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but the connection stability under vibration is poor and disconnection risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple functional components: a first coupling structure for initial connection, a second coupling structure for reinforcement, and a latch mechanism for final securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, collectively achieving high connection stability without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector employs preliminary actions through its multi-stage coupling mechanism. The first coupling structure establishes initial contact, the second coupling structure reinforces the connection, and the latch mechanism pre-positions itself to engage and secure the connection before vibration occurs, preventing disconnection proactively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If simple connector design is used, then manufacturing is easy, but wire retention under vibration is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire retentionVSAvoidconnector assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector features nested coupling structures where the second coupling structure is positioned within or around the first coupling structure, and the latch mechanism nests within the housing. This nesting arrangement provides multiple retention stages without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity, as components can be molded or formed in integrated assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Strength

If multi-structure coupling is implemented, then connection firmness improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection firmnessVSAvoidcoupling structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple coupling functions into an integrated connector assembly. The first and second coupling structures, along with the latch mechanism, are combined into a single connector unit that engages with a corresponding receptacle. This merging provides strong, multi-stage connection firmness while avoiding the complexity of separate discrete components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7976330B2Securely latched power connector assembly
Publication Date: 2011.07.12 KS TERMINALS INC
  • US7976330B2 patent drawing
  • US7976330B2 patent drawing
  • US7976330B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A securely latched power connector assembly includes a male connector and a female connector connected with a first leading wire and a second leading wire, respectively. A first conductive terminal of the male connector has a first buckle portion for retaining a core of the first leading wire. A second conductive terminal of the female connector has a second buckle portion for retaining a core of the second leading wire. When the connectors are combined, a hollow plug of the male connector is inserted into a hollow socket of the female connector, and the first coupling structures of the male connector and the second coupling structures of the female connector are firmly coupled, while the second pin of the second conductive terminal being inserted into the hollow plug to contact with the first pin of the first conductive terminal, thereby achieving electrical connection.