Push-Pull Connector with Tool-Required Locking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Push-pull connectors are prone to accidental release when the outer sleeve is pulled, leading to unintended detachment of connectors, especially when multiple connectors are close together, and can be unlocked by anyone with access, lacking security against unauthorized loosening.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector with an additional slidable locking element that has a stable locking and release position, preventing displacement of the outer sleeve when in the locking position, which can only be changed using an external tool, ensuring secure locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If push-pull connectors use simple locking means for convenient unlocking, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental release
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two independent parts: first locking means (22, 30) for convenient push-pull operation and an additional locking element (23) for security. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional locking element (23) acts as an intermediary security mechanism that mediates between the convenient but insecure first locking means and the requirement for accidental release prevention. It provides an intermediate layer of protection that maintains the original convenient unlocking mechanism while adding reliability.
2Ease of operation
If connectors are designed for easy access and operation, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to unauthorized loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two independent parts: first locking means (22, 30) for convenient push-pull operation and an additional locking element (23) for security. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional locking element (23) acts as an intermediary security mechanism that mediates between the convenient but insecure first locking means and the requirement for accidental release prevention. It provides an intermediate layer of protection that maintains the original convenient unlocking mechanism while adding reliability.
3Productivity
If multiple connectors are arranged close together for space efficiency, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental release of adjacent connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two independent parts: first locking means (22, 30) for convenient push-pull operation and an additional locking element (23) for security. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional locking element (23) acts as an intermediary security mechanism that mediates between the convenient but insecure first locking means and the requirement for accidental release prevention. It provides an intermediate layer of protection that maintains the original convenient unlocking mechanism while adding reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug for a plug connector (1), comprising an inner assembly (20), an outer sleeve (21) which is mounted such that it can move with respect to the inner assembly (20) and at least partially surrounds the inner assembly (20), and first locking means (22, 30) for locking the plug (2) to an associated plug connector part (3) when the plug (2) is plugged onto the plug connector part (3), wherein the locking arrangement can be released by a movement of the outer sleeve (21) with respect to the inner assembly (20). In this case, an additional locking element (23) is provided, said additional locking element being mounted such that it can move and it being possible to move said additional locking element to at least one stable locking position, in which the movement of the outer sleeve (21) with respect to the inner assembly (20) is blocked, and at least one stable enable position, in which the movement of the outer sleeve (21) with respect to the inner assembly (20) is enabled.