Spring-Elastic Retaining Element for Plug Connector Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking elements for connectors are complex in shape, requiring costly tools for production and often result in irreversible connections, making them difficult to assemble and reassemble without tools.
Innovation Solution
A locking element with a simpler shape that is axially pushed onto the connector, featuring a spring-elastic, part-ring-shaped retaining element that widens the inner opening for plug insertion and locking, allowing for intuitive assembly and reassembly without tools, and automatically returns to its locking position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex locking elements are used to ensure secure locking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is divided into two functional parts: an outer element that provides structural support and guidance, and an inner resilient element that provides the locking action. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient inner element changes its physical state between deformed and relaxed conditions. When deformed, it expands to lock the plug; when relaxed, it contracts to allow removal. This parameter change enables a simple geometric form to achieve complex locking behavior without additional mechanisms.
2Reliability
If complex locking elements with camming surfaces are used, then locking reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to requiring specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the locking function into a resilient inner element and a structural outer element, the design eliminates the need for complex camming surfaces and specialized molding tools. The resilient element can be produced using standard injection molding techniques, significantly improving ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element uses inexpensive resilient material that can be mass-produced with conventional tools. The design accepts that the locking element may wear over time but compensates through economical manufacturing, replacing complex durable mechanisms with simple, replaceable components.
3Reliability
If irreversible locking mechanisms are used, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is made dynamic through the resilient inner element that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The element deforms to engage the plug's retaining flange for secure locking, then deforms again to release it for removal. This dynamic behavior provides both reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element automatically returns to its relaxed state after locking, enabling the plug to be removed without tools. The system self-regulates the locking force and automatically prepares for the next insertion cycle, eliminating the need for manual intervention or specialized tools for reassembly.
4Ease of operation
If resilient retaining elements are used to enable easy assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer element and inner resilient element are combined into a single integrated locking element assembly. The outer element provides structural support while the inner element provides resilient locking action. This merging simplifies the overall structure compared to separate locking mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation.
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 reduces tool costs, enables ergonomic and intuitive assembly, and allows for automatic reassembly of the plug connection, ensuring a secure and reversible locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-elastic, part-ring-shaped retaining element that widens the inner opening for plug insertion and locking
Data Source
AI summary
In a locking element (3) for a plug connector (1) having an external element (30, 130, 330) to be arranged on the outer face of a section (10, 100, 300) of the plug connector (1), wherein a retaining element which projects into the interior of the external element (30, 130, 330) is provided, the retaining element is at least a spring-elastic partially annular retaining element (33, 133, 233, 333) which is connected to the external element (30, 130, 330) by means of a connecting web (34, 134, 234, 334) and has at least a supporting section and/or a supporting surface (39, 339) in order to be supported on the plug connector (1) when the locking element (3) is unlocked.