Single Knob Locking Mechanism for Plug Connector Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for multi-part plug connector housings require simultaneous operation of both actuating knobs for locking and unlocking, leading to increased size and complexity, making them cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A single outwardly disposed actuating knob is operatively connected to a spring plate, allowing for compact and reliable locking and unlocking of the housing portions by transmitting force to the spring plate, which includes latching openings that engage with latching noses on the housing lower portion, enabling reversible mechanical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both actuating knobs are operated simultaneously for locking and unlocking, then the locking device provides reliable mechanical connection, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate actuating knobs into a single actuating knob that controls both latching arms simultaneously. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable locking through the integrated spring plate mechanism that transmits force to both latching arms at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuating knob serves multiple functions: it simultaneously actuates both latching arms for locking and unlocking operations. The spring plate acts as a universal transmission element that distributes the single actuation force to multiple latching points, reducing the number of separate actuators needed.
2Reliability
If both actuating knobs are operated simultaneously for locking and unlocking, then the locking mechanism functions properly, but the plug connector housing becomes larger and more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate actuating knobs into one, directly reducing the volume occupied by actuating mechanisms. The spring plate design allows a single knob to control both latching arms, eliminating the need for two separate knobs and their associated mounting spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring plate is clamped within the housing interior in a captively safeguarded manner, nesting the spring plate mechanism inside the housing structure. This nesting approach minimizes the overall volume by integrating the spring plate into the existing housing space rather than adding external components.
3Volume of moving object
If a spring plate is clamped in the housing interior, then the locking device becomes compact, but the spring plate must be securely retained to prevent loss
Solution Approach 1:
The spring plate is nested within the housing interior and clamped in a captively safeguarded fashion. This nesting arrangement allows the spring plate to be retained within the housing structure without requiring additional external retaining mechanisms, maintaining compactness while ensuring secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring plate design includes features that allow it to be clamped and retained within the housing by the housing structure itself. The spring plate's own geometry and the housing's clamping features work together to securely retain the spring plate without requiring separate retention components.
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 allows for compact and reliable locking and unlocking of the housing portions, reducing size and complexity while ensuring secure engagement and disengagement without the need for simultaneous knob operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring plate (30) is clamped in the interior of the housing upper portion (20) in such a way as to be captively safeguarded against loss... Upon actuation of the actuating knob (40) it is pushed into the orifice (21). The force resulting therefrom is transmitted to the spring plate (30)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a locking device for a multi-part plug connector housing (1) comprising a housing upper portion (20) and a housing lower portion (10) fitting thereto, wherein the housing upper portion (20) and the housing lower portion (10) can be reversibly mechanically connected together by way of a spring plate (30), wherein the spring plate (30) is arranged in the interior of the housing upper portion (20) and/or of the housing lower portion (10), wherein the spring plate (30) is operatively connected to a single, outwardly disposed actuating knob (40).