Connector Gasket Locking Arm Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing panel-mounted connectors face inefficiencies in attaching gaskets due to the need for precise alignment of locking stubs with locking holes, leading to potential gasket instability and incorrect attachment.
Innovation Solution
A structure featuring a ring-shaped groove on the flange with L-shaped locking arms and T-shaped hooks that engage with a locking slot on the side portion, ensuring secure attachment and preventing gasket fall-off, combined with through-holes and locking pins for additional fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking stubs are fitted to locking holes with precise alignment, then gasket stability is improved, but operation efficiency deteriorates due to careful checking required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm utilizes its own elasticity to automatically engage with the locking slot and hook portion, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment. The elastic deformation of the locking arm during insertion enables self-alignment and self-locking, improving operation efficiency while maintaining gasket stability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm's elasticity parameter is utilized to enable automatic engagement. By designing the locking arm with appropriate elastic properties, it can deform during insertion and automatically snap into the locking slot and hook portion, removing the precision alignment requirement while ensuring reliable locking
2Reliability
If locking arms with stubs are used requiring precise alignment, then gasket security is improved, but attachment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm automatically performs the locking function through its elastic deformation during insertion. The T-shaped hook portion and locking slot are designed to engage automatically without requiring the operator to align specific features, significantly reducing attachment time while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the locking stub to align with and insert into a locking hole (as in conventional designs), the invention inverts the approach: the locking arm with T-shaped hook is inserted into a locking slot, and the elastic arm automatically engages and locks in place, reversing the traditional alignment-based mechanism
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 solution simplifies the attachment process, enhances gasket stability, and ensures excellent sealing performance by eliminating the need for precise alignment and preventing incorrect attachment.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic gasket. The attaching member includes a first flange... The gasket is housed in the ring-shaped groove, and a space between the first flange and the mating member of the attaching member is sealed with the gasket
Implementation Method 2
the locking arm is engaged, by use of its own elasticity, with the locking slot from a side of the flange
Data Source
AI summary
A gasket of an elastic material is housed in a ring-shaped groove formed on the front face of a flange of a connector housing. By bringing the front face into contact with a contact face of a mating member, the space between the mating member and the flange of the connector housing is sealed with the gasket. An L-shaped locking arm is provided on the outer periphery of the ring-shaped gasket to be housed in the ring-shaped groove. The locking arm juts out sideward along the front face of the flange, and then is bent backward leaving the front face. A T-shaped hook is integrally provided to the tip of the locking arm. A receiving portion with a locking slot is provided in a side portion of the flange. The locking arm is engaged, by its own elasticity, with the locking slot, and the hook is engaged with the back face of the receiving portion.