Connector Lever Opening Integration for Compact Wire Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face a challenge in reducing the lateral size while maintaining the strength of the wire cover, as cutting the side wall to achieve a smaller size compromises the structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a U-gate-shaped lever that enters an opening at the connection position, integrating the operating portion with the edge of the opening to maintain strength and prevent enlargement, with the opening arranged opposite to the pull-out port to accommodate wires and prevent protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the side wall of the wire cover is cut to allow the operating portion to enter, then the lateral size is reduced, but the strength of the wire cover is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The operating portion of the lever is merged with the edge of the opening by arranging them in contact or proximity. This virtual integration compensates for the strength reduction caused by the opening, as the operating portion acts as a reinforcement element that restores the structural integrity of the wire cover at the opening location.
2Ease of operation
If the operating portion is arranged laterally side by side with the wire cover, then the connector is enlarged laterally
Solution Approach 1:
The operating portion of the lever is nested within the opening of the wire cover at the connection position. This allows the operating portion to be accessible for operation while being contained within the boundary of the wire cover, thereby reducing the overall lateral size of the connector.
Data Source
AI summary
A wire cover (70) is arranged to cover a rear surface of a housing (10) and includes a back plate (73) in a rear part. A pull-out port (77) for wires (30) is provided in an end part of the back plate (73) and an opening (74) is provided separately from the pull-out port (77). A U-shaped lever (90) is arranged to straddle the back plate (73) and connects the housing (10) and a mating housing at a connection position by being rotated with an operating portion (91) gripped. The operating portion (91) of the lever (90) enters the opening (74) at the connection position and is arranged in contact with or in proximity to an edge of the opening (74).