Rotatable Connector Locking Edge for Compact Reliable Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors for connecting cables with few wires are not compact enough, making them difficult to design and manufacture, and they lack a robust and reliable safety locking system to prevent accidental disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that includes a safety locking system (SLS) with a rotatably movable locking edge, allowing it to switch between unlocking and locking positions, and a method for manufacturing and mating/unmating the connector that ensures robustness and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional safety locking system is added to the connector, then the reliability and robustness of the connection is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety locking system with the connector housing itself, where the locking mechanism is integrated into the existing structure rather than being a separate additive component. The locking element is formed as part of the housing geometry, merging multiple functions into a unified structure that reduces overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides the insertion movement, and incorporates the safety locking mechanism. The locking element simultaneously acts as a structural feature and a locking mechanism, eliminating the need for dedicated separate locking components and reducing device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the connector design is simplified to improve manufacturability, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the robustness of the safety locking system may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the locking mechanism directly into the housing geometry, the patent eliminates the need for separate manufacturing steps for assembling locking components. The locking feature is formed as an integral part of the housing, simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring robust locking through precise geometric engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the locking element and its engagement surface to achieve robust locking with minimal material and structural complexity. By carefully designing the shape, size, and orientation of the locking features, the system achieves high reliability through simple geometric forms that are easy to manufacture.
3Volume of moving object
If the connector size is reduced to improve compactness, then the volume is reduced, but the reliability of the safety locking system may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested within the existing connector housing structure, utilizing the available internal space efficiently. The locking element is positioned within the housing cavity and engages with features on the counter-connector, maximizing the use of existing spatial volume without requiring additional external space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rotational locking mechanism that operates in a dimension perpendicular to the insertion axis. This allows the locking action to occur in a different spatial plane, enabling compact design along the insertion direction while maintaining effective locking through rotational movement in the transverse plane.
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 connector achieves a better balance between compactness, robustness, and reliability, with a simplified manufacturing and assembly process, and a reduced risk of accidental disconnection during transport or storage.
Implementation Method 1
through an abutment of the SLS locking edge with a surface of the counter-connector that is transverse to the extraction movement
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure presents a connector with a safety locking system (SLS) for secure mating and unmating with a counter-connector. The connector housing carries electrical terminals designed to establish contact with counter-terminals in the counter-connector through an insertion and extraction movement. The SLS features a rotatable locking edge that can be positioned in an unlocking state to allow extraction for unmating or a locking state to prevent extraction and maintain the connection. The SLS locking edge abuts against a surface of the counter-connector to secure the connection. This innovative connector design enhances safety and reliability in electrical connections.