Slidable Locking Frame for Simultaneous Connector Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automotive connectors with separate locking portions can become partially unlocked, leading to a false tactile feel, potentially causing damage when users attempt to disconnect them, as one locking portion may not reach the predetermined position, resulting in improper disconnection and damage to the connector assembly.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly featuring a slidable locking frame that surrounds the plug connector, with pushing units on either side that push the first locking units outward when moved upward, ensuring both locking units are fully unlocked and preventing forced disconnection, which reduces the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate locking portions are used to secure connectors, then connection reliability is improved, but the risk of partial unlocking and false tactile feedback increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate locking portions into a single integrated locking frame that simultaneously controls both locking units. The locking frame moves as one piece, ensuring both locking units are either locked or unlocked together, eliminating the false tactile feedback problem where one locking portion might appear unlocked while the other remains locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking frame provides unified tactile feedback to the user through a single operation. When the locking frame is moved, both locking units change state simultaneously, giving the user accurate feedback about the actual connection status. This prevents the misleading feedback that occurs with separate locking portions where one might be unlocked while the other remains locked.
2Stability of the object's composition
If separate locking portions are used, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two independent locking mechanisms into a single integrated locking frame structure. This reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall design while maintaining the dual-locking functionality. The locking frame acts as one unified component that simultaneously engages or disengages both locking units.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking frame serves multiple functions: it simultaneously controls both locking units, provides unified user interaction, and ensures coordinated operation of the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each locking unit, thereby simplifying the overall structure.
3Ease of operation
If a slidable locking frame is used to unlock both locking units simultaneously, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking frame is designed as a movable component that slides along the plug connector housing. This dynamic structure allows the frame to be positioned in different states (locked/unlocked) while maintaining structural integrity. The sliding mechanism enables simple user operation through a single motion that simultaneously affects both locking units.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional parts: the locking frame, the pushing units, and the locking units. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled together. The modular design reduces manufacturing complexity compared to creating a fully integrated monolithic structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly has a slidable locking frame used for unlocking latches on a plug connector and a socket connector. When the plug connector and the socket connector are connected and the slidable locking frame is mounted around the plug connector and by use of a lifting force moves toward a top side of the plug connector, the two first locking units of the plug connector are pushed outward by the two pushing units of the slidable locking frame respectively, and disengaged, or unlocked, from the two fastening portions of the socket connector respectively, and the slidable locking frame unlocks the two first locking units simultaneously to prevent a user from pulling the plug connector forcibly away from the socket connector before full unlocking of the two locking units.