Rear Latch Electrical Connector Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle electrical connectors lack efficient mechanisms for ensuring correct coupling and disconnection, particularly in confined spaces with limited sensory feedback, leading to potential defective or incomplete connections.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a 'rear latch' mechanism in electrical connectors, which allows for a smart locking system (SLS) that enables tool-free disconnection and is compatible with non-sealed connectors, featuring a latch with a protuberance or tooth that interacts with a mating connector's notch or aperture for secure locking and easy disengagement, facilitating one-step coupling and uncoupling without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional front latch mechanism is used, then the connector can be locked securely, but the locking device becomes more complex and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional latch configuration by moving the locking surface to the rear of the connector while keeping the articulation point at the front. This rear latch configuration simplifies the locking device structure while maintaining secure connection, directly resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and device complexity
2Reliability
If a locking device is added to ensure correct coupling, then connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function with the existing latch structure of the connector. The rear latch mechanism integrates the locking surface and articulation point into a unified structure that works with the locking device, reducing overall complexity while ensuring correct coupling through the CPA (connector position assurance) function
3Ease of manufacture
If the latch is positioned at the front, then the locking mechanism is straightforward, but it becomes fragile during coupling due to potential frontal collision
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the latch orientation to a rear latch configuration, the patent positions the locking surface at the rear while maintaining front articulation. This prevents frontal collision during coupling operations, enhancing latch durability without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
4Reliability
If a locking device is implemented, then connector position assurance is improved, but tool-free disconnection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rear latch mechanism is designed to enable self-service disconnection. The locking surface geometry and articulation point configuration allow the connector to be released without external tools by simply pulling the connector body, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring secure locking through the CPA function
Data Source
AI summary
A set of electrical connectors includes a connector and a mating connector. The connector comprises a locking device mounted on a housing so as to slide in a locking direction between a pre-locking position and a locking position. The connector also has a latch. The latch is provided with a locking surface for locking the connector to the mating connector. The latch extends between a junction that joins it to the body of the housing and at least the locking surface in a direction opposite to the locking direction.