Connector Lever Locking for Mate Assist Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies with mate assist levers often unintentionally or intentionally move out of the preliminary mating position when no counter connector is present, requiring additional manual steps to reposition the lever for proper mating.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating holding means with a locking protrusion and reception system, where the locking protrusion is an L-shaped or T-shaped hook that engages behind locking walls on the lever, preventing unintentional or intentional movement out of the preliminary mating position until a corresponding mating connector is mated, ensuring the lever remains locked until the correct mating position is achieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mate assist lever is provided without locking means, then the lever can be easily moved from preliminary mating position to fully mated position, but the lever unintentionally or intentionally moves out of the preliminary mating position when no counter connector is present
Solution Approach 1:
The locking protrusion and locking reception are designed to prevent the lever from moving out of the preliminary mating position before mating occurs. The locking reception includes first and second locking walls that engage with the locking protrusion to restrain lever movement, while the inclined surface allows controlled displacement only when the counter connector is properly mated and exerts force on the locking protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is provided with locking means in advance that automatically lock the lever in the preliminary mating position during transport and storage. This preliminary locking action ensures the lever remains in the correct position ready for mating, eliminating the need for manual alignment steps and preventing unintentional movement before the mating operation begins.
2Reliability
If locking means are added to prevent lever movement, then the lever stays in the preliminary mating position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are integrated into the existing connector housing and lever structure. The locking protrusion is formed as part of the lever, while the locking reception with locking walls is formed in the connector housing. This merging of locking functions into the existing components adds minimal complexity while ensuring reliable lever position control.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking reception is designed with specific geometric parameters including the inclined surface angle and the positioning of first and second locking walls. By optimizing these parameters, the locking mechanism provides reliable lever restraint while maintaining a compact and simple overall structure that can be manufactured using standard injection molding techniques.
3Ease of operation
If the locking protrusion can be easily displaced, then the lever can be released smoothly, but the lever may be unintentionally released during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined surface of the locking protrusion is designed to resist unintended displacement during transport while allowing controlled displacement during mating. The geometry of the inclined surface creates a mechanical advantage that requires significant force to displace the locking protrusion, preventing accidental release, while still permitting smooth release when the counter connector applies force during the mating operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrical connector assembly comprising a connector housing (200); and a mate assist mechanism comprising a lever (100) pivotably arranged on the connector housing. The lever is movable from a preliminary mating position to a fully mated position, and is adapted to be releasably held in the preliminary mating position by a holding means. The holding means comprises a locking protrusion (222) and a corresponding locking reception (120) receiving said locking protrusion when the lever is in the preliminary mating position.