Self-Locking Plug Connector With Automatic Blocking Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical plug connector systems require additional manual assembly steps to secure the primary locking device, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates a blocking member that is moved into the blocking position automatically by a stop on the mating plug connector housing during the plugging operation, eliminating the need for manual assembly to secure the primary locking device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a primary locking device is used to prevent inadvertent releasing, then connection security is improved, but additional manual assembly steps are required which increases assembly time and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member is pre-configured on the plug connector and is automatically moved into the blocking position by the stop on the mating plug connector housing during the plugging operation itself. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for separate manual assembly steps to secure the primary locking device, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining connection security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The plugging operation itself performs the dual function of establishing electrical contact and securing the locking mechanism. The stop on the mating plug connector housing automatically actuates the blocking member during insertion, making the system self-securing without requiring additional manual intervention or separate assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a blocking member is added to secure the primary locking device, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member is integrated with the plug connector housing as a single component rather than being a separate assembly. The blocking member and plug connector housing form an integrated structure where the blocking member is borne on the housing and moves with it, reducing the number of discrete parts while maintaining the security function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The plug connector housing serves multiple functions: it houses the electrical contact members, supports the primary locking member, bears the blocking member, and provides the stop that actuates the blocking member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual assembly steps are required to block the primary locking device, then assembly precision can be controlled, but human error increases and assembly becomes more error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly precisionVSAvoiderror rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic actuation of the blocking member by the stop during the plugging operation eliminates human intervention in the blocking process. The mechanical interaction between the stop and blocking member ensures consistent, error-free positioning without relying on manual assembly precision or operator skill, thereby reducing the error rate while maintaining assembly precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The stop on the mating plug connector housing provides mechanical feedback during insertion that automatically triggers the blocking member to move into the blocking position. This feedback mechanism ensures that the blocking action occurs at the correct moment in the plugging sequence, maintaining precision while eliminating human error through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12308572B2Electrical plug connection having a self-locking function

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 MD ELEKTRONIK GMBH

AI summary

An electrical plug connector includes a plug connector housing, a primary locking member and a blocking member. The primary locking member is borne on the plug connector housing to be movable between a locking and an unlocking position and prevents the plug connection from releasing in the locking position and allows it to release in the unlocking position. The blocking member is borne on the plug connector housing to be movable between a blocking and a releasing position and prevents the primary locking member from moving into the unlocking position in the blocking position and allows it to move into the unlocking position in the releasing position. The blocking member is movable from the releasing position into the blocking position by a stop on a mating plug connector housing when the plug connector housing is shifted relative thereto.