Fitting Connector Ensuring Member Lock Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fitting connectors face issues with unintentional operation of the locking release function, where force applied in the locking release direction can inadvertently cause the first locking holding portion to be removed from the second locking holding portion.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an ensuring member that can move between a main locking position and a temporary locking position, where at the main locking position, it restricts the movement of the first locking holding portion in the removal direction, preventing unintentional operation of the locking release function by ensuring the first locking holding portion and second locking holding portion remain locked.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the locking release operation portion is provided to enable release of the locked state between the first locking holding portion and the second locking holding portion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to unintentional operation causing the connectors to be removed from each other

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking release operationVSAvoidlocked state stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ensuring member acts as an intermediary between the locking release operation portion and the fulcrum portion. When the ensuring member is in the main locking position, it prevents the release operation force receiving portion from contacting the fulcrum portion, thereby blocking the force transmission path and preventing unintentional release of the locked state while still allowing intentional operation when the ensuring member is in the temporary locking position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The ensuring member is positioned in advance at the main locking position to preemptively block the force transmission path before any unintentional operation can occur. This preliminary positioning prevents the release operation force from reaching the fulcrum portion, thereby preventing unwanted release of the locked state between the first and second locking holding portions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 ensuring member effectively prevents unintentional operation of the locking release function, ensuring the connectors remain securely locked even when external forces or vibrations are applied, enhancing the reliability and stability of the connector's locked state.

Implementation Method 1

a fulcrum portion that is disposed between the first locking holding portion and the locking release operation portion and applies force on the first locking holding portion serving as a point of load in the removal direction from the second locking holding portion with a contact point with a release operation force receiving portion as a fulcrum when the locking release operation portion serving as a point of effect is operated by being pushed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 2

a cantilever locking arm portion that is provided with the first locking holding portion at a free end of the cantilever locking arm portion and disposed between the first locking holding portion and the locking release operation portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3651285B1Fitting connector
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 YAZAKI CORP
  • EP3651285B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3651285B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3651285B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a holding structure (60) that holds connectors in a completely fitted state by a first locking holding portion (61) and a second locking holding portion (62), and an ensuring member (80). A locking holder (70) includes a locking release operation portion (72), a cantilever locking arm portion (73), and a fulcrum portion (76). A release operation force receiving portion (85) is provided to the ensuring member (80), and is disposed at such a position that the release operation force receiving portion (85) is not in contact with the fulcrum portion (76) when the locking release operation portion (72) is operated by being pushed while the ensuring member (80) is at the main locking position, and the release operation force receiving portion (85) is in contact with the fulcrum portion (76) when the locking release operation portion (72) is operated by being pushed while the ensuring member (80) is at the temporary locking position.