Connector Lever Locking Claw Deformation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with movable members, such as levers, face issues with insufficient holding force due to deformation of thin outer walls and notched grooves, leading to incomplete connection and potential misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a movable member with a resilient locking claw and a deformation preventing portion, where the locking claw is formed with a contact surface and a slanted surface to prevent deformation, ensuring secure engagement and improved holding force, and a restriction lifting portion for efficient disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a notched groove is formed in a thin outer wall to engage a locking piece, then the movable member can be held at a standby position, but the thin outer wall and notched groove can deform causing insufficient holding force
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional notched groove in the thin outer wall to a three-dimensional engaging portion that protrudes from the housing. This engaging portion extends in the thickness direction of the side plate, providing additional engagement surface area and structural support that prevents deformation while maintaining the holding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structural system where the resilient locking claw (made of flexible material) works in conjunction with the rigid engaging portion (formed from housing material). This combination allows the locking claw to deform elastically for engagement while the engaging portion provides stable geometric support that prevents excessive deformation.
2Reliability
If the locking claw is made resiliently deformable to engage the engaging portion, then the movable member can be held securely, but the engaging portion may deform onto the locking claw causing insufficient holding force
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation preventing portion is designed to preemptively counteract any potential deformation of the engaging portion. By providing this preventive structural feature before engagement occurs, the system ensures that the engaging portion maintains its geometric stability and does not deform onto the locking claw during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different functional properties to different parts of the locking mechanism: the locking claw is made resiliently deformable for engagement, while the engaging portion is designed with deformation prevention features. This local differentiation of mechanical properties ensures that each component performs its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
3Reliability
If a separate operation is needed to disengage the locking claw, then the connection can be secure, but the operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the disengagement function with the housing structure itself by incorporating a restriction lifting portion into the housing. This allows the disengagement action to be performed simultaneously with the housing connection process, eliminating the need for a separate disengagement operation and improving overall operational efficiency.
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
The design provides a sufficient holding force and improved operational efficiency by preventing deformation of the locking claw, ensuring secure engagement and easy disengagement, thus enhancing the connection process between housings.
Implementation Method 1
The locking claw is formed with a resiliently deformable portion and is displaceable in an unlocking direction along the thickness direction of the side plate
Data Source
AI summary
A lever (11) is mounted in a female housing (10) for rotation between a standby position and a connection position. The lever (11) has resiliently deformable locking claws (17) that contact engaging portions (18) formed at free end edges of outer surfaces of the female housing (10) if an attempt is made to rotate the lever (11) at the standby position. A contact surface (53) and a turn-up preventing portion (55) are formed at the leading end of each locking claw (17). The contact surface (53) can be contact the corresponding engaging portion (18) and the turn-up preventing portion (55) can press the engaging portion (18) to prevent the engaging portion (18) from being turned up. Thus, a holding force for holding the lever (11) at the standby position can be increased.