Self-Locking Connector Clip With V-Groove Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking bars in plug-in connections suffer from wear and reliability issues due to rubbing against connector housings during swivel processes, leading to potential accidental disconnection, especially in energy feed applications.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped locking bracket with V-shaped grooves and cylindrical locking cones that automatically engage during the plug-in process, utilizing kinetic energy for mechanical locking without manual operation, reducing wear and ensuring secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking brackets are pivotally mounted and rub against connector housings during pivoting, then locking function is achieved, but wear increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the pivotal movement. The locking bracket is designed to move in a linear sliding motion rather than pivoting, separating the locking action from rotational movement that causes rubbing and wear against the connector housing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the locking bracket pivoting against the housing, the design inverts the interaction by having the locking bracket slide linearly while the housing remains stationary, eliminating the rubbing contact that occurs during pivotal movement.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is required for locking, then precise control is achieved, but ease of operation decreases and accidental disconnection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bracket is designed to lock automatically through its own movement during the insertion process. The bracket self-activates the locking mechanism by sliding into position and engaging with the housing, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking action is performed preliminarily during the insertion process itself. As the connector is being inserted, the locking bracket automatically engages and secures the connection before the user completes the insertion, ensuring the connection is secured from the outset.
3Reliability
If locking brackets are made robust to prevent accidental disconnection, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the structural elements of the connector housing. The locking bracket integrates with the housing features, combining the locking mechanism with the housing structure itself rather than adding separate complex locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bracket design serves multiple functions: it provides locking, guides insertion, and secures the connection all through a single sliding movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliability.
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 solution provides a reliable and easy-to-use locking mechanism that automatically secures plug connections, minimizing wear and preventing accidental disconnections, while being cost-effective to manufacture and implement.
Implementation Method 1
The V-shaped groove automatically guides the locking bar into its final locking position when the locking pin is inserted into the locking receptacles, i.e., without the need for human intervention. This occurs mechanically, utilizing the kinetic energy of the insertion process.
Implementation Method 2
The locking bracket is advantageously made of an elastic material and can be manufactured, for example, using a stamping and bending process. The locking bracket is preferably made of plastic.
Implementation Method 3
DE 29 15 574 A1 discloses a locking bracket for reversibly locking a first connector housing to a second connector housing. The locking bracket is made of a spring-elastic wire.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking clip (1) for reversibly locking an attachment housing (6) with a plug connector housing (7), wherein the locking clip (1) has a rear wall (2) and lateral parts (3), which are integrally formed thereon, and has a U-shaped cross section, wherein the lateral parts (3) each have a bearing receptacle (4) by means of which the locking clip (1) is able to be pivotably mounted on the attachment housing (6), and wherein the lateral parts (3, 3') each have an arresting receptacle (5) which can be gripped by means of an arresting pin (9) of the plug connector housing (7), wherein the arresting receptacles (5) each have a V-shaped groove (14).