Tangential Locking Pin Plug Connector Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plug connectors with radial locking pins face challenges in achieving a compact, space-saving design due to the outward protrusion and increased space requirements, making it difficult to construct narrow and small connectors while maintaining reliable locking.
Innovation Solution
The locking pin is arranged to be inside the receiving jacket or plug-in portion in the plugged-in position and moves on a path with a tangential component, eliminating radial movement, allowing for a compact design without compromising locking reliability, and can be actuated by a pivotable locking lever or bearing cup for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking pins are moved in a radial direction to lock and unlock plug components, then reliable locking is achieved, but the locking pins protrude outwardly and increase space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin movement is changed from radial direction to tangential direction along the central longitudinal axis. This dimensional change allows the locking pin to move inside the receiving jacket portion without protruding outwardly, thus reducing space requirements while maintaining locking reliability through engagement with locking counterparts at different angular positions
2Reliability
If locking pins are moved in a radial direction, then locking function is achieved, but the plug connector design becomes less compact and narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from radial movement that increases connector width to tangential movement along the central axis that keeps the connector narrow. The locking pin travels parallel to the central longitudinal axis, engaging locking counterparts at different angular positions, which enables reliable locking without increasing the connector's external dimensions
3Volume of moving object
If locking pins are arranged inside the receiving jacket portion, then space is saved, but the locking mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the locking pin for movement, multiple locking counterparts positioned at different angular locations, and a actuating mechanism. This segmentation allows the locking pin to move tangentially inside the receiving jacket portion while engaging different locking counterparts, achieving space savings through systematic division of locking functions
Data Source
AI summary
Plug connector for an electrical and/or optical plug connection, wherein the plug connector comprises a first plug component and a second plug component, the first plug component has an elongate plug-in portion and the second plug component has an elongate receiving jacket portion with an insertion opening, and, in a position in which the first and second plug components are completely plugged one into the other, the plug-in portion is inserted into the receiving jacket portion through the insertion opening; the plug connector also comprises locking means including a locking pin for locking together the first and second plug components the locking pin being located inside the receiving jacket portion and/or the plug-in portion in the completely plugged-in position and being movable between the locking position and the unlocking position on a path of movement with a tangential component, viewed from the longitudinal center line.