Integrated Rotary Locking Mechanism for Connector Housing Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector housings require separate mechanisms for locking and protective sealing, leading to increased size and complexity, as well as the need for additional locking pins when mating connectors are engaged.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable housing cover with a combined rotating and locking mechanism, utilizing connecting elements on the side walls that pivot about the longitudinal axis, allowing for both environmental sealing and locking of the connector housing with a mating connector, eliminating the need for a separate protective cap and additional locking pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate protective cap and locking mechanism are used, then the connector housing can be sealed and locked, but the device size and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective cap and locking mechanism into a single integrated housing cover assembly. The connecting elements on the housing cover serve dual purposes: sealing the connector housing when closed and locking with the mating connector when engaged. This merging eliminates the need for separate protective caps and locking mechanisms, reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliable sealing and locking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing cover is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a protective seal and a locking component. The connecting elements on the narrow side walls can function as sealing surfaces when the cover is closed and as locking engagement surfaces when a mating connector is plugged in. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a pivoting mechanism is used for the housing cover, then the connector can be closed and locked, but the connector housing size must be significantly larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the narrow side walls of the connector housing as the pivot axis dimension, allowing the housing cover to rotate along the longitudinal axis rather than requiring a separate pivot housing. This dimensional approach enables the pivoting mechanism to be integrated within the existing housing boundaries, avoiding the need for significantly larger connector housing volume while maintaining ease of operation for closing and locking.
3Reliability
If separate locking mechanisms are used for the connector housing, then reliable locking is achieved, but additional locking pins are required when mating connectors are engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements on the housing cover are designed to serve dual purposes: as sealing surfaces when the cover is closed and as locking engagement surfaces when a mating connector is plugged in. By merging these functions into a single structural feature, the patent eliminates the need for additional locking pins, reducing the quantity of components while maintaining reliable locking through the same elements that provide sealing.
Data Source
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AI summary
For covering a connector housing (10) and for locking the connector housing with a mating connector (40), an integrated rotary and locking mechanism is proposed, which is formed from connecting elements (30, 30') arranged on the side surfaces (15) of the connector housing (10), which are guided on pins (14, 24) and are connected to a housing cover (20) pivotably arranged thereon, which is provided for locking with the mating connector (40).