Push-Pull Connector Rest Sheet Vibration Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector parts based on the push-pull principle can unintentionally release from their mating connectors due to vibrations, leading to unreliable latching.
Innovation Solution
The connector part incorporates a spring-biased actuating element with locking plates on either side of the housing, where the actuating element is held in a non-actuated position by compression springs, preventing unintentional unlocking, and allows for a larger stroke to release the latching mechanism when actuated, enhancing the latching security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring steel locking plate is used to provide elastic resilience for latching, then the connector can be easily inserted and latched, but the connector may unintentionally release due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plate is designed with selective rigidity: the first region (latching portion) is made rigid to resist vibration-induced release, while the second region (actuating portion) remains elastic to enable easy actuation. This dynamic differentiation resolves the contradiction between latching stability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plate is divided into functionally distinct segments: a first region for latching with rigid properties and a second region for actuation with elastic properties. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its mechanical characteristics for its specific function, preventing unwanted release while maintaining operability.
2Ease of operation
If the actuating element is made resilient to allow easy actuation, then the connector can be easily released, but the actuating element may be accidentally triggered by vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element incorporates a resilient portion with controlled elasticity that requires a deliberate actuation force to trigger, while the rigid locking region prevents vibration-induced activation. This dynamic property distribution ensures easy intentional actuation while resisting accidental triggering.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the actuating mechanism have different mechanical qualities: the actuating element's resilient portion is localized to provide easy actuation only where needed, while the locking plate's first region maintains local rigidity to prevent vibration sensitivity. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction.
3Reliability
If the locking plate is made rigid to prevent vibration-induced release, then latching stability improves, but the actuating element becomes harder to displace
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plate is segmented into a first region (latching portion) made rigid for stability and a second region (actuating portion) made elastic for easy actuation. This segmentation allows the rigid first region to prevent vibration-induced release while the elastic second region enables easy manual actuation, resolving the contradiction between stability and operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plate exhibits dynamic property differentiation: the first region maintains rigid characteristics for reliable latching, while the second region provides elastic characteristics for easy actuation. This dynamic design allows the plate to be both stable during latching and easy to actuate when needed.
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 ensures reliable latching and secure engagement with the mating connector, resisting unintentional detachment due to vibrations and tolerances, allowing for easy actuation to release the connector while maintaining stability during use.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating element is spring-biased via at least one spring element in relation to the housing part in the insertion direction
Implementation Method 2
a locking plate, which is made of spring steel, for example, and is therefore elastically resilient at least in sections
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A connector part (1) comprises a housing part (10) having a plug-in section (100) that can be plugged into an associated mating connector part (3) in a plug-in direction (E). A locking plate (15) is attached to the housing part (10), which has at least one locking element (153) for locking with the mating connector part (3) in a position of the connector part (1) plugged into the mating connector part (3) and at least one engagement element (155). An actuating element (11) is also arranged on the housing part (10), which is displaceable against the insertion direction (E) to the housing part (10) and has a unlocking element (111) which is designed to cooperate with the attack element (155) of the locking plate (15) with the mating connector part (3) when the actuating element (11) is displaced against the insertion direction (E) to release the locking of the locking plate (15) with the mating connector part (3).It is provided that the actuating element (11) is spring-loaded relative to the housing part (10) in the insertion direction (E) by means of at least one spring element (16). In this way, a connector part is provided that is reliably locked in a position connected to the associated mating connector part and where unintentional disconnection is at least made more difficult.