A connector assembly device includes a connector element and a connector position assurance (CPA) device mounted to move relative to the connector element between a delivery position and a locking position. The connector element includes a first locking device and a second locking device. The CPA device includes a locking lance that has an associated first locking device configured to implement a first form-fitting connection with the first locking device of the connector element and an associated second locking device configured to implement a second form-fitting connection with the second locking device of the connector element in the locking position. The form-fitting connections prevent any movement of the CPA device in a direction from the locking position towards the delivery position and take place in different planes.

The present disclosure relates to a method to check if a connector system with a Connector Position Assurance (“CPA”) member is in a closed position. The method includes providing an RFID-tag reader that is positioned at a distance D to the integrated circuit enabling far-field RFID communication and not permitting near-field RFID communication. Further, the method includes checking the readability of the integrated circuit with the RFID-tag reader and issuing an alert signal if the integrated circuit is not readable by the RFID-tag reader indicating that the CPA member is not in the closed position.

A plug and socket assembly (100) includes a socket (110) with a receptacle portion (113) configured to receive an electrical plug (105) and an interlock mechanism (130) configured to retain the electrical plug (105) in the receptacle portion (113) when the receptacle portion (113) is rotated about a first axis to a first position. The assembly (100) includes an electrical switch (140) including an actuator (145) operable to energize and de-energize the socket (110). The assembly (100) includes a transfer mechanism (150) having a first mechanical component (310, 410) operable to transfer the rotation of the receptacle portion (113) into motion relative to the first axis that operates the actuator (145). Methods of operating a plug and socket assembly (100) are also provided.

A plug connector for connecting to a mating plug connector along an insertion direction. The plug connector includes a housing including an interior and a contact element situated in the interior. The plug connector further includes a connector position assurance. The housing includes a pressure equalization element for equalizing the pressure of the interior with respect to the exterior of the housing. The CPA is situated at the housing and is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the housing, a sealing element being provided at CPA, the pressure equalization element being sealed with respect to the exterior by the sealing element in the second position.

A plug connector for connecting to a mating plug connector along an insertion direction. The plug connector includes a housing including an interior and a contact element situated in the interior. The plug connector further includes a connector position assurance. The housing includes a pressure equalization element for equalizing the pressure of the interior with respect to the exterior of the housing. The CPA is situated at the housing and is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the housing, a sealing element being provided at CPA, the pressure equalization element being sealed with respect to the exterior by the sealing element in the second position.

A verification system or method for detecting whether a CPA device is in a pre-lock position or in a full-lock position relative to the housing based on a scan system’s detection that a portion of a predetermined word or character on the CPA device and another portion of the predetermined word or character are separated from each other or joined together to form the predetermined word or character. The CPA device is fully engaged or in full-lock position or status with the housing when the scan system has recognized or determined that the portion of the predetermined word or character on the CPA device and the another portion of the predetermined word or character on the housing within a scan window are joined together to form the complete or full predetermined word or character.

A verification system or method for detecting whether a CPA device is in a pre-lock position or in a full-lock position relative to the housing based on a scan system’s detection that a portion of a predetermined word or character on the CPA device and another portion of the predetermined word or character are separated from each other or joined together to form the predetermined word or character. The CPA device is fully engaged or in full-lock position or status with the housing when the scan system has recognized or determined that the portion of the predetermined word or character on the CPA device and the another portion of the predetermined word or character on the housing within a scan window are joined together to form the complete or full predetermined word or character.

A verification system for detecting a connector position assurance (CPA) device's closure relative to a corresponding housing, The verification system includes a connector position assurance (CPA) device having a first visible or visual surface; a housing having a second visible or visual surface; and a scan system that scans the first visible or visual surface of said CPA device and said second visible or visual surface of the housing. The the scan system detects whether the CPA device is in full-lock position relative to the housing depending on whether the scan system detects whether the first and second visible or visual surfaces are separated from each other or joined together. Also, a verification method for detecting a CPA device's closure relative to the housing, which includes a step of detecting whether the CPA device is in a pre-lock position or in a full-lock position relative to the housing based on whether the scan system detects whether the first and second visible or visual surfaces are separated from each other or joined together. The scan system or scanning step also detects whether the CPA device is in a pre-lock position or in a full-lock position relative to the housing based on whether the scan system or scanning step detects that a predetermined percentage of a predetermined size or shape has been formed by at least one of a first medium on the CPA device and a second medium on the housing is within a scan window.

A verification system for detecting a connector position assurance (CPA) device's closure relative to a corresponding housing, The verification system includes a connector position assurance (CPA) device having a first visible or visual surface; a housing having a second visible or visual surface; and a scan system that scans the first visible or visual surface of said CPA device and said second visible or visual surface of the housing. The the scan system detects whether the CPA device is in full-lock position relative to the housing depending on whether the scan system detects whether the first and second visible or visual surfaces are separated from each other or joined together. Also, a verification method for detecting a CPA device's closure relative to the housing, which includes a step of detecting whether the CPA device is in a pre-lock position or in a full-lock position relative to the housing based on whether the scan system detects whether the first and second visible or visual surfaces are separated from each other or joined together. The scan system or scanning step also detects whether the CPA device is in a pre-lock position or in a full-lock position relative to the housing based on whether the scan system or scanning step detects that a predetermined percentage of a predetermined size or shape has been formed by at least one of a first medium on the CPA device and a second medium on the housing is within a scan window.

A verification system or method for detecting whether a CPA device is in a pre-lock position or in a full-lock position relative to the housing based on a scan system's detection that a portion of a predetermined barcode or QR code on the CPA device and another portion of the predetermined barcode or QR code are separated from each other or joined together to form the predetermined barcode or QR code. The CPA device is fully engaged or in full-lock position or status with the housing when the scan system has recognized or determined that the portion of the predetermined barcode or QR code on the CPA device and the another portion of the predetermined barcode or QR code on the housing within a scan window are joined together to form the complete or full predetermined barcode or QR code.