Self-Rejecting Connector Spring Ramp Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors lack a mechanism to prevent partial mating during manual connection, leading to complex and costly manufacturing and assembly processes due to the need for additional components like connector position assurance devices or shorting clips.
Innovation Solution
A self-rejecting connector apparatus with a specially-shaped spring element that slides along a ramped portion of the retainer to generate a rejection force, ensuring connector locks are fully engaged before allowing the spring element to retract, thus preventing partial locking and simplifying the connection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional components like CPA devices or shorting clips are used to detect complete mating, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is integrated into the housing structure, combining the rejection force generation function with the housing body. This eliminates the need for separate CPA devices or shorting clips, reducing component count while maintaining detection reliability through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element serves multiple functions: it provides rejection force during insertion, detects complete mating through its engagement state with the ramp surface, and structurally connects the housing to the retainer. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components.
2Reliability
If additional components like CPA devices or shorting clips are used to prevent partial mating, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is integrated into the housing structure, combining the rejection force generation function with the housing body. This eliminates the need for separate CPA devices or shorting clips, reducing component count while maintaining detection reliability through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically provides rejection force during the insertion process and self-activates when partial mating occurs, eliminating the need for external control systems or additional sensing components. The mechanism serves itself by using the insertion motion to activate the rejection force.
3Measurement precision
If additional components are added to detect complete mating, then detection precision is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is integrated into the housing structure, combining the rejection force generation function with the housing body. This eliminates the need for separate CPA devices or shorting clips, reducing component count while maintaining detection reliability through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as an intermediary between the housing and retainer, translating the insertion motion into rejection force automatically. This intermediary mechanism provides precise detection of mating status through its engagement state with the ramp surface without requiring complex assembly of multiple detection components.
4Reliability
If a self-rejecting mechanism is implemented, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element automatically provides rejection force during the insertion process and self-activates when partial mating occurs, eliminating the need for external control systems or additional sensing components. The mechanism serves itself by using the insertion motion to activate the rejection force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element transitions from a compressed state during insertion to an engaged state with the ramp surface, dynamically adapting its configuration based on the insertion progress. This dynamic behavior enables the self-rejecting function without requiring complex mechanical linkages or control systems.
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 ensures complete engagement detection without additional components, reducing production costs and complexity by providing a self-rejecting mechanism that ensures full locking of connector locks, eliminating the need for separate CPA or shorting clips.
Implementation Method 1
a specially-shaped spring element that slides along a specially-shaped portion (a ramp-shape or the like) of the retainer or the female or pocket member to generate a rejection force
Implementation Method 2
a spring element for providing a rejection force against the direction towards which the housing is introduced into the female or pocket member
Data Source
AI summary
A self-rejecting connector apparatus ensures that the connector apparatus of the present invention become fully engaged or fully locked when a rejection force, which pushes connector locks out of any partial-lock or partial-mate condition, ceases to be generated. A specially-shaped spring element, which is used to generate the rejection force, is blocked from being removed from the connector apparatus of this invention until the connector apparatus is fully engaged or fully locked.