Electric Connector Disassembly Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors require troublesome disassembly processes involving simultaneous unlocking of both lock arms and the use of an unlocking jig, making them difficult to disassemble into a frame and connector main body.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that allows for easy disassembly by using a working jig to disengage the lock arm and lock receiving part in a single continuous operation, with a guide strip to prevent the jig from bumping against the engaging protrusion and an anti-backlash protrusion to prevent backlash between the connector main body and frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connectors use lock arms and lock receiving parts that require simultaneous unlocking, then the connector maintains reliable locking, but the disassembly process becomes troublesome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm is divided into two independent lock arms (left and right) that can be unlocked separately. Each lock arm has its own lock receiving part, allowing the disassembly process to be segmented into independent steps rather than requiring simultaneous unlocking of both arms, thus simplifying the overall disassembly operation while maintaining reliable locking during use
Solution Approach 2:
A working jig is introduced as an intermediary tool to facilitate the disassembly process. The working jig engages with the lock arms and lock receiving parts to enable easy separation of the connector main body from the frame, making the disassembly operation simple and straightforward without compromising the locking reliability during normal operation
2Productivity
If the working jig directly engages the engaging protrusion, then the unlocking action is direct, but the jig bumps against the protrusion causing operational difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
A guide strip is provided that guides the working jig in advance before it reaches the engaging protrusion. This preliminary guidance action prevents the jig from bumping against the protrusion by directing it along a proper path, making the insertion operation smooth and easy while maintaining efficient unlocking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The guide strip acts as an intermediary element between the working jig and the engaging protrusion. It mediates the interaction by providing a guided path that prevents direct bumping, thus improving ease of operation without reducing unlocking efficiency
3Ease of manufacture
If the connector main body is freely movable in the frame, then assembly is easy, but backlash occurs reducing connection precision
Solution Approach 1:
An anti-backlash protrusion is provided on the connector main body that preliminarily prevents backlash by engaging with a corresponding feature on the frame. This preliminary anti-action counteracts any potential looseness or play, ensuring precise alignment and connection without complicating the assembly process
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
Enables easy and reliable disassembly of the connector into its frame and main body with reduced effort, maintaining a locked state even after mating with a male connector and preventing backlash, thus improving the alignment and reliability of terminal connections.
Implementation Method 1
the lock arm 26 is elastically deformed, and the lock arm 26 and the lock receiving part 47 are disengaged
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that can be disassembled into a connector main body and a frame by one continuous operation of pushing a jig inward. An electrical connector includes a frame 20 having a lock arm 26 and a connector main body 40 having a lock receiving surface 47 that is to be engaged with the lock arm 26. The lock arm 26 and the lock receiving surface 47 are disengaged by insertion of a working jig 60. The frame 20 and the connector main body 40 have a movement path for the working jig 60 in which the working jig 60 moves back and forth, and the connector main body 40 has a jig receiving surface 46 at an end of the movement path. The working jig 60 disengages the lock arm 26 and the lock receiving surface 47 from each other in the course of movement in the movement path and then pushes the jig receiving surface 46 to separate the connector main body 40 from the frame 20.