Connector With U-Shaped Operating Member And Groove Constraint
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face challenges in miniaturization due to expanding movements of sliding plates during connection, which restricts their compact design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a U-shaped operating member with arms that slide on a housing, utilizing a support shaft and long groove mechanism to guide movement and restrict opening deformation, eliminating the need for external covers and thus preventing enlargement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sliding plates are used to enable linear movement of the operating member, then the operating member can move smoothly from initial position to connection position, but the sliding plates expand outward during connection causing the housing to be enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the guiding function and the constraining function into a single integrated structure. The long groove is formed directly on the housing body, and the support shaft with jaw is integrated into the operating member, eliminating the need for separate external covers. This merging of functions allows the housing to maintain a compact size while still providing the necessary guidance and constraint for the sliding plates during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support shaft with jaw is nested within the long groove structure. The jaw fits into the long groove and slides along it, creating a nested arrangement where the constraining element (jaw) is contained within the guiding structure (long groove). This nesting allows the constraint mechanism to be compact and integrated rather than requiring external covering structures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If external covers are added to restrict opening deformation of the arms, then the arms are constrained properly during connection, but the connector size is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the constraining function from external covers and integrates it directly into the housing structure through the long groove. Instead of adding external covering elements, the housing itself provides the constraint through the groove geometry, which guides and limits the arm movement. This extraction and integration eliminates the need for separate covering components.
Solution Approach 2:
The long groove serves multiple functions: it guides the movement of the support shaft, constrains the opening deformation of the arms, and is integrated directly into the housing structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated constraint components, allowing the housing to perform both structural support and movement control functions.
3Reliability
If the operating member is covered by the housing, then the structure is protected, but the connector cannot be miniaturized due to the need for additional covering members
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is merged with the guiding and constraining functions in the long groove structure. Rather than adding separate protective covers, the housing body itself provides protection through its integrated groove design that guides and protects the support shaft and jaw mechanism during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
It is aimed to provide a connector capable of suppressing opening deformation of an operating member and avoiding enlargement. A U-shaped operating member (11) is arranged to straddle a housing (10) and is linearly movable from an initial position to a connection position while arms (37) slide on the housing (10) and proceeds with a connecting operation of the housing (10) and a mating housing (12) by cam engagement of the arms (37) with the mating housing (12) during a movement. The housing (10) includes support shafts (18) and the arms (37) include linearly extending long grooves (39) into which the support shafts (18) are inserted to be slidable in contact therewith. The support shaft (18) includes jaws (19) and the long groove (39) includes an engaging edge (44) configured to contact the jaws (19) in an opening direction of the arm (37).