Connector Front Mask Latch Resilient Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector designs face issues with the front mask's latches and engaging portions being too weak due to thin projecting walls, leading to unsatisfactory engagement and potential settling under repeated pressure, affecting the smoothness of resilient deformations and overall operation.
Innovation Solution
The design includes projecting walls with sufficient thickness for the front mask to rest on, with latches and engaging portions on the inner surfaces of the projecting walls, ensuring resilient engagement and preventing settling by facing the engaged areas towards the front ends of the projecting walls, along with additional retaining structures on the rear surfaces to enhance holding force without exposing them on the front surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the projecting walls are made thinner to allow easier resilient deformation for latch engagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength and stability of the projecting walls deteriorate, causing settling under repeated pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized thin-walled region at the front end of the projecting walls where the latches engage, while maintaining sufficient thickness in other areas. This allows the specific region needing flexibility (the engagement area) to be thin and resilient, while the overall structure maintains sufficient strength to prevent settling under repeated pressure.
2Strength
If the engaging portions are positioned on the inner surfaces of the projecting walls, then the strength of the projecting walls is improved, but the pressure from the walls causes the latches and engaging portions to settle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the projecting wall structure into distinct functional zones: a thin-walled front end region for resilient latch engagement, and a thicker rear region for structural support. The latches and engaging portions are positioned to interact only with the thin-walled front region, separating the engagement function from the support function to prevent settling.
3Reliability
If the front mask is held firmly on the housing, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the resilient deformation smoothness deteriorates due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the projecting walls by creating a localized thin-walled section at the front end with controlled thickness. This parameter change allows the wall to deform resiliently with sufficient smoothness during latch engagement, while the overall structure maintains firm holding through the combination of the thin front section and thicker rear sections.
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 configuration ensures stable and smooth resilient deformations of the projecting walls, maintaining locking strength over repeated use, preventing settling of the engaging portions, and improving the overall operability and reliability of the connector.
Implementation Method 1
The engaging portions and the latches resiliently engage while the projecting walls are resiliently deformed to hold the front mask at the mount position
Data Source
AI summary
A connector housing (10) has a front surface with projecting walls that form a groove (31). A front mask (60) is mountable at a mount position on the front surface of the housing (10). The front mask (60) has a fittable portion (62) that fits the groove (31) when the front mask (60) is at the mount position. Latches (35) are formed on the inner surfaces of the projecting walls facing the groove (31), and engaging projections (77) are provided on side surfaces of the fittable portion (62) facing the inner surfaces of the projecting walls. The engaging projections (77) and the latches (35) resiliently engage to hold the front mask (60) at the mount position. Engaged areas of the engaging portions (77) and the latches (35) face the front ends of the projecting walls.