Connector Lock Structure With Lateral Deformation for Lower Height
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors with lock arms require space for resilient deformation, leading to increased height and size, which is a limitation in design miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a first connector housing with a resilient deforming portion that deforms along its outer surface, allowing for a reduced height configuration by integrating a lock portion within the second connector housing's receptacle, which engages with the deforming portion without increasing the number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock arm resiliently deforms in the height direction of the second connector housing, then the connector achieves a retained state through locking, but the connector is enlarged in the height direction
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient deforming portion changes its deformation direction from the height direction (vertical) to the width direction (lateral), allowing the lock arm to engage with the lock portion while reducing the height dimension of the connector housing
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the lock arm deform vertically upward to engage the lock portion, the design inverts the approach by having the lock arm deform laterally outward, engaging the lock portion from the side, thus achieving locking without increasing height
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 design enables a size reduction in the connector while maintaining a secure connection through the resilient engagement of the lock and lock receiving portions, improving holding force and reducing stress concentration.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient deforming portion separate from the first connector housing and to be resiliently deformed along an outer surface of the first connector housing
Data Source
AI summary
A connector 10 is provided with a first connector housing and a second connector housing to be connected to the first connector housing along a connection direction. The first connector housing includes a resilient deforming portion 35 separate from the first connector housing and to be resiliently deformed along an outer surface of the first connector housing while being mounted on the first connector housing. The second connector housing includes a receptacle 13 to be externally fit to the first connector housing and a lock portion 15 provided inside the receptacle 13 and to be engaged with the resilient deforming portion 35.