Connector Groove Structure for Easier Unlocking in Miniaturized Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of connectors makes it difficult to press the unlocking mechanism using a finger, as the interval between protection walls becomes smaller, compromising the ease of unlocking.
Innovation Solution
The connector incorporates a cantilever structure with a pressing portion for unlocking, accompanied by an unlocking prevention mechanism featuring a protection beam and protection walls with first grooves on either side of the pressing portion, allowing for easier finger access and increased pressing stroke.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector is miniaturized to reduce size, then the volume and dimensions of the connector are reduced, but the interval between protection walls becomes smaller making it difficult to press the unlocking mechanism with a finger
Solution Approach 1:
The protection wall is divided into two segments: a first protection wall and a second protection wall, with the second protection wall positioned closer to the pressing portion. This segmentation creates a localized opening between the two walls that provides finger access to the pressing portion, allowing the unlocking mechanism to be operated even in miniaturized connectors where the overall interval between protection walls is small.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening between the first and second protection walls creates a localized region of increased accessibility near the pressing portion. This local modification allows finger insertion and pressing motion without requiring the entire protection wall interval to be large, thus maintaining ease of operation in miniaturized connectors.
2Reliability
If protection walls are added to prevent accidental unlocking, then the reliability against false triggering is improved, but the complexity of the unlocking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second protection walls are integrated into the housing structure, merging the protection function with the connector body. This integration provides accidental bending prevention without adding separate complex components, as the protection walls are formed as part of the housing rather than as independent elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection walls serve multiple functions: they prevent accidental unlocking by blocking rod-shaped objects, and they define the opening that guides finger insertion for intentional unlocking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If the interval between protection walls is reduced to maintain miniaturization, then the connector size is kept small, but the pressing stroke available for unlocking is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The opening between the first and second protection walls creates a localized three-dimensional space that accommodates finger insertion and pressing motion. By utilizing this vertical and lateral space within the constrained horizontal interval, sufficient pressing stroke is achieved without increasing the overall connector dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector and a connector assembly are provided. The connector includes a housing and a locking/unlocking mechanism arranged on the housing that is configured to lock and unlock a connection between the connector and a mating connector. The locking/unlocking mechanism includes a cantilever structure arranged on a top surface of the housing and having a fixed end and a free end, with a pressing portion for unlocking being located adjacent to the free end and an unlocking prevention mechanism including a protection beam and a pair of protection walls. The protection beam spans over the cantilever. The pair of protection walls are arranged on both sides of the pressing portion of the cantilever. Each protection wall is provided with a first groove at a location close to the protection beam.