Connector Lock Arm Backlash Prevention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors experience backlash between housings due to insufficient locking margin, which can be triggered by external forces after proper connection, leading to separation issues.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a lock arm with a pressure receiving portion and a detector with a pressing portion that displaces the lock arm to increase the locking margin when the detector reaches its detection position or under external force, ensuring a stable locked state and preventing backlash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock arm is designed to resiliently lock the lock on the mating housing, then the housing can be securely connected to the mating housing, but backlash occurs between the two housings when external force is applied to the detector
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing portion is designed to proactively press the pressure receiving portion of the lock arm before external forces can cause backlash. This preliminary action increases the locking margin in advance, preventing the lock arm from moving forward under subsequent external loads, thereby eliminating backlash while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector's pressing portion applies a counteracting force to the lock arm's pressure receiving portion that opposes the direction of potential backlash. This preliminary anti-action creates a pre-compression state that resists forward movement of the lock arm when external forces are applied, preventing backlash occurrence.
2Measurement precision
If the detector is allowed to move to the detection position when housings are properly connected, then connection status can be detected, but external force on the detector can press the lock arm forward causing backlash
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing portion acts as an intermediary element between the detector and the lock arm. When the detector reaches the detection position, the pressing portion mediates by pressing the pressure receiving portion of the lock arm, increasing the locking margin. This intermediary action allows the detector to fulfill its detection function while simultaneously strengthening the lock to prevent backlash under external forces.
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 solution effectively maintains a satisfactory locked state between the housings, preventing backlash and ensuring reliable connection by incrementally increasing the locking margin with the lock, even under external forces, thus enhancing the stability of the connector.
Implementation Method 1
a lock arm configured to hold the housing and a mating housing by resiliently locking a lock on the mating housing
Implementation Method 2
a pressing portion configured to displace the lock arm in a direction to increase a locking margin with the lock portion by pressing the pressure receiving portion
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is provided with a housing (10) including a lock arm (25) configured to hold a mating housing (90) in a connected state and a detector (60) to be assembled movably to a standby position and a detection position with respect to the housing (10). The lock arm (25) includes pressure receiving portions (33). The detector (60) includes pressing portions (69) configured to displace the lock arm (25) in a direction to increase a locking margin with a lock portion by pressing the pressure receiving portions (33) at least either when the detector (60) reaches the detection position or when an external force acts on the detector (60) in a direction opposite to a direction toward the standby position.