Connector Lock Arm Deflection Regulation and Height Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face issues with increased height due to wide unlocking operations and susceptibility to external matter entry, which can cause the lock arm to turn up, compromising the connector's functionality.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with a lock arm and a slider that includes a deflection regulating portion and an unlocking portion shaped to suspend toward the deflection space, preventing the lock arm from turning up and reducing overall height by regulating deflection and preventing external matter entry, while maintaining easy operation through separate pressing surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation area of the unlocking portion is made wide to facilitate unlocking operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the height of the unlocking portion and the entire connector becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking portion is designed with a suspended shape that extends toward the deflection space, utilizing the third dimension (depth/length toward deflection space) to provide a wide operation area without increasing the height (vertical dimension) of the connector. This allows operators to access the unlocking portion from the front while maintaining a compact overall height.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider is divided into functionally distinct portions: the unlocking portion with suspended shape for unlocking operation, and the deflection regulating portion for regulating lock arm deflection. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other, enabling wide unlocking area without height increase.
2Device complexity
If the slider is placed only on the upper surface of the lock arm, then the device complexity is reduced, but external matters such as wires can easily enter the deflection space causing the lock arm to turn up
Solution Approach 1:
The slider is segmented into multiple functional portions: the unlocking portion for releasing the lock, the deflection regulating portion for controlling lock arm movement, and positioning portions for securing the slider. This segmentation allows the deflection regulating portion to specifically address wire protection without adding overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection regulating portion acts as an intermediary element between the slider and the deflection space. It regulates the deflection of the lock arm and prevents external matters like wires from entering the deflection space, thereby protecting the locking mechanism while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Reliability
If the unlocking portion is designed to cover the rear end part of the lock arm from above, then the reliability of preventing lock arm turning is improved, but the height of the unlocking portion becomes even larger
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the unlocking portion vertically upward to cover the rear end of the lock arm (which would increase height), the design extends it horizontally toward the deflection space with a suspended shape. This provides protective coverage while maintaining a compact vertical profile.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than covering the lock arm from above vertically, the unlocking portion is designed to approach the lock arm from the front horizontally, creating coverage through a different spatial approach that avoids height increase.
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 suppresses height increase and prevents lock arm turning, enhancing operational reliability and reducing the risk of external interference, thereby improving the connector's design and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The slider is held at the advanced position in the process of connecting the two housings and brought to the retracted position by a spring force of a coil spring when the two housings are connected properly
Implementation Method 2
A rear end part of the lock arm is deflected and deformed into a deflection space in the process of connecting the housing to the mating housing
Data Source
AI summary
A connector has a housing (10) with a lock arm (18) and a slider (60) that is movable on the housing (10) between an advanced position and a retracted position. A deflection regulating portion (67) projects from the slider (60) into a deflection space (24) for the lock arm (18) on a rear part of the lock arm (18) when the slider (60) is at the retracted position. The deflection regulating portion (67) is configured to regulate deflection of a lock arm (18). The slider (60) includes an unlocking portion (64) configured to cover a releasing surface of the lock arm (18) from a side opposite the deflection space (24) at the advanced position and has a shape suspended toward the deflection space (24). The unlocking portion (64) presses the releasing surface by receiving an operation force (F) that deflects the lock arm (18) in an unlocking direction.