Electrical Connector Mating Detecting Member Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with mating detecting members can inadvertently move to the advanced position in the unmated state due to external forces, leading to decreased work efficiency as additional steps are required to return the detecting member to the retracted position for proper mating.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design includes a housing with a locking arm portion and a mating detecting member featuring resilient arm portions and an abutment portion, where the engaging portions are positioned to lock with immovable sections of the housing, preventing forward movement in the unmated state, and allowing simultaneous movement with the housing during partial mating, thus enhancing work efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engaging portions of the detecting locking arms engage with the locking portions of the locking arms in the retracted position, then the mating detecting member is locked in place, but forward movement is prevented even when needed during proper mating
Solution Approach 1:
The housing engagement surfaces are segmented into two distinct types: immovable sections for reliable locking in the retracted position, and resilient locking arm portions that can be displaced during mating. This segmentation allows the engaging portions to interact differently with each segment based on the operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static engagement system to a dynamic one where the locking arm portions can resiliently displace. The engaging portions maintain reliable engagement with immovable sections when retracted, but can temporarily disengage from resilient sections during the mating process, enabling smooth operation.
2Ease of operation
If the locking arm portions are made resiliently displaceable to improve mating operation, then the detecting member can move freely, but inadvertent movement occurs in the unmated state
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the housing have different mechanical properties: immovable sections provide rigid, stable engagement points that prevent inadvertent movement, while resilient locking arm portions provide flexible engagement that allows controlled displacement during mating. The engaging portions interact with the appropriate section based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The immovable sections are positioned to provide preliminary engagement that prevents inadvertent forward movement of the mating detecting member in the unmated state. This preliminary anti-action counteracts external forces before they can cause unwanted displacement, while still allowing proper mating operation when intended.
3Reliability
If the engaging portions lock with immovable sections of the housing, then inadvertent movement is prevented, but movement during proper mating requires additional force
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches engagement targets: the engaging portions lock with immovable sections when retracted (requiring high stability), and can disengage to allow movement when the locking arm portions are resiliently displaced during proper mating (reducing required force). This dynamic behavior resolves the force-stability trade-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient locking arm portions are pre-positioned to be displaced during the mating process, which preliminarily prepares the engagement system to transition from immovable to movable state. This preliminary action reduces the force required during the actual mating operation by pre-coordinating the displacement of the locking arm portions.
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
This design effectively prevents the mating detecting member from moving to the advanced position in the unmated state, reducing unnecessary steps and improving the efficiency of connector mating by ensuring reliable locking engagement and reduced risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
resilient arm portions which extend in the forward-backward direction along the locking arm portion and are resiliently displaceable in the vertical direction
Implementation Method 2
an abutment portion formed at the front end of the mating detecting member below the locking arm portion... abut said abutment portion against part of the locking arm portion from the rear
Data Source
AI summary
The engaging portions 34 of the mating detecting member 30 are provided at locations offset upwardly from the pressure-receiving portion 32A of the operating portion 32 and, when the mating detecting member 30 is located in the retracted position, are positioned in a manner that permits locking engagement, from the rear, with sections of the housing 10 other than the locking arm portion 12; and, when pressure is applied from the rear to the pressure-receiving portion 32A of the operating portion 32 of the mating detecting member 30 located in the retracted position, the location of locking engagement of the engaging portions 34 and the housing 10 is used as a fulcrum to displace the front end of the mating detecting member 30 upward and the abutment portion 35 abuts part of the locking arm portion 12 from the rear.