Preloaded Connector Latch Audible Click and Set Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector latches in the automotive industry lack an audible 'click' sound for secure mating assurance, are prone to permanent set due to compression, and have dimensional control issues, which affect their reliability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A preloaded connector latch is manufactured in an undeflected position and subjected to a pre-mating deflection process, enhancing the audible 'click' sound, reducing the risk of permanent set, and improving dimensional control through the interaction of latching features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If connector latch is manufactured in undeflected position, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the latch is prone to permanent set under compression
Solution Approach 1:
The connector latch is preloaded during manufacturing to place it in a pre-deflected position before service. This preliminary action ensures that when the latch is later compressed during bundling or installation, it remains within its elastic deformation range and does not undergo permanent set, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manufacturing precision
2Reliability
If connector latch is preloaded, then resistance to permanent set is improved, but the profile height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector latch utilizes a flexible beam structure that can be preloaded to achieve the desired deflected position. The flexibility of the beam allows it to maintain the preloaded shape without requiring additional gaps or space, thus achieving resistance to permanent set while maintaining a low profile
3Loss of information
If latching features are placed in preloaded condition, then audible click sound is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector latch is designed to be self-preloading during the manufacturing process. The latch structure itself, through its flexible beam design, automatically achieves the preloaded condition that generates the audible click sound during mating. No additional complex preload mechanisms or external devices are required, thus improving the click sound while avoiding increased device complexity
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 preloaded connector latch provides an extra loud 'click' sound for secure mating assurance, maintains resistance to permanent set, and ensures good dimensional control, enhancing the reliability and functionality of connector assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The connector latch is then subjected to a pre-mating deflection process, in order to deflect the connector latch and lock the connector latch in a preloaded position
Data Source
AI summary
Connector latch used to securely hold together a connector apparatus, such that the connector apparatus has at least a first connector assembly and a second connector assembly which can be mated together. Initially, after the connector latch is manufactured, the connector latch is in an undeflected position. After manufacture, the connector latch is subjected to a pre-mating deflection process, in order to move the connector latch into a preloaded position. After the pre-mating deflection process has been completed, the connector latch is locked in the preloaded position. The preloaded connector latch provides a number of desirable characteristics, including at least an extra loud “click” sound when the first connector assembly and the second connector assembly are mated together.