Connector Cam Plate Locking Mechanism Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face challenges in ensuring sufficient strength for the peripheral portion of the cam plate, particularly near the lock and flexible space, while also requiring complex and costly die construction for manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a slider with cam plates and housings that include a cam groove and follower pin for engagement, allowing the lock to elastically deform and a die-cutting method that simplifies the die construction by cutting the escape space along the fit-in direction, enhancing the strength of the cam plate and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flexible space for the locking projection is formed at the edge of the cam plate, then the locking projection can flex, but the strength of the peripheral portion of the cam plate becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible space is repositioned from the peripheral edge area to the interior region of the cam plate, specifically within the thickness range. This spatial relocation allows the locking projection to flex in the thickness direction while the peripheral edges maintain their structural integrity and strength.
2Reliability
If the to-be-locked portion and escape space are formed in the housing-shaping die, then the locking projection can be properly constrained, but the die construction becomes very complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The housing-shaping die construction is divided into multiple simpler components rather than requiring a single complex die. The to-be-locked portion and escape space are formed through separate die operations or simpler die structures that work in sequence, avoiding the need for a highly complicated integrated die design.
3Strength
If the die cuts or moves from inner side of cam plate to outer side to form escape space, then the peripheral wall is formed over entire periphery, but the die construction becomes simpler
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of cutting or moving the die from the inner side of the cam plate to the outer side (which would be complex), the die is cut or moved from the outer side to the inner side. This inverted approach simplifies the die construction while still forming the peripheral wall over the entire periphery of the escape space, maintaining cam plate strength.
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 provides enhanced strength to the cam plate and simplifies the die construction process, reducing production costs and improving the connector's operational reliability by allowing the lock to flex without interference and maintaining the peripheral strength.
Implementation Method 1
At least one lock is formed on the cam plate and projects parallel to the surfaces of the cam plate and along the fit-in direction of the slider. The lock can elastically deform in a direction from the first surface of the cam plate to the second surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector has a housing (10) and a slider (30). The slider (30) has a cam plate (31) that can be inserted into an accommodation space (S) of the housing (10). At least one lock (32, 38) is formed in the cam plate (31). A hole (54) is formed on a rear surface of the housing (10) and communicates with the accommodation space (S). A to-be-locked portion (53) is formed in the accommodation space (S) for engaging the lock (32, 38) to hold the slider (30) at either of a wait position and a fit-in position in the accommodation space (S). The to-be-locked portion (53) can be formed via the hole (54) to enable a simple construction for a molding die, to provide good molding efficiency, and to make cost low.