Connector Detection Member Integrated Lock Arm Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors require separate members for detecting engagement completion and releasing locking, leading to reduced workability during the engagement release process.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a detection member that is relatively movable between a main locking position and a locking release position, integrated with a flexible lock arm and release lever portion, allowing for simultaneous detection of complete engagement and engagement release using a single member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate members are used for detection member operation and lock arm operation, then the functions are clearly separated, but the workability during engagement release is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detection member and lock arm are integrated into a single integrated member. The detection member includes a detection portion that detects engagement state and an operating portion that operates the lock arm. This merging eliminates the need for separate members while maintaining clear functional separation through distinct portions of the same member, thereby improving workability during engagement release.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated member serves multiple functions: it detects the engagement state (detection function) and operates the lock arm to release locking (operation function). By making the detection member universal with both detection and operation capabilities, the system reduces the number of components needed while maintaining reliable functional separation through the multi-functional design.
2Reliability
If multiple separate members are used for engagement release operations, then each function is specialized, but the number of operation steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection member and lock arm are merged into a single integrated member, allowing both detection and lock arm operation to be performed through one component. This reduces the number of operation steps from multiple separate actions to a single integrated operation, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining functional specialization through distinct portions of the integrated member.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection member is designed with an operating portion that automatically operates the lock arm when the detection portion detects the engagement state. This preliminary integration of the operation function into the detection member eliminates the need for separate subsequent operations, reducing the number of steps required for engagement release.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (1) includes a terminal, a housing (20) that accommodates and holds the terminal and is engaged with a mating housing (Ch) by being releasably locked by causing a locking portion (31b) to be locked to a locked portion (31a) provided in the mating housing (Ch) when an engagement state with a mating connector (C) is a complete engagement state, and a detection member (40) that is assembled to the housing (20) and is relatively movable in an engagement direction and a detachment direction with respect to the housing (20) between a main locking position when the engagement state is the complete engagement state and a locking release position when the engagement state is an engagement release state in which the complete engagement state is released.