Tool-Free Safety Locking Mechanism for Pluggable Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical terminal block systems require tools for both securing and releasing the connector plug, making them cumbersome and difficult to handle, especially when trying to remove the plug, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A safety device with an engagement element that automatically triggers a secure state upon plugging in and an actuable release device that cancels this state, allowing for easy operation without tools, enabling the plug-in means to be easily attached and detached by actuating the release device with single finger pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tool such as a screwdriver is required to secure and release the connector plug, then the connection can be securely fastened, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector plug is equipped with a resilient locking arm that automatically engages with the base terminal when the plug is inserted, securing the connection without requiring external tools. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to trigger the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm is designed to be resilient and movable, transitioning between locked and unlocked states dynamically. During insertion, the locking arm deflects and then snaps into the locked position; during removal, pressing the locking arm releases it from the engaged state, enabling tool-free operation.
2Ease of operation
If the locking arm projects considerably beyond the connector plug to enable release, then the release mechanism is accessible, but the device becomes more complex and the release action becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is integrated into the connector plug structure, with the control arm nested within or alongside the locking arm. This nesting allows the release function to be accessible while maintaining a compact overall structure and reducing the number of separate components needed.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~10
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
A locking device (30) for a pluggable and detachable connector (1) is shown and described, wherein the locking state of the connector (1) is automatically activated upon plugging. The locking device (30) has an engagement element (5) that triggers the locking state, by which an automatically activated locking state corresponding to a first stable position of the locking device (30) can be achieved upon plugging. An actuated release device (7, 8) is provided, which, when actuated, releases the locking state for detaching the connector and simultaneously moves the locking device into a second stable position. When the connector (1) is plugged in, the locking device (30) can be influenced such that the second stable position of the locking device (30) can only be released after the connector (1) has been detached and reattached.