Connector Lock Arm Detector with Bulge Constraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector designs face issues with resilient locking pieces deforming in abnormal directions, leading to improper connection and detection states.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a movement restricting mechanism and abnormal deformation preventing means, such as bulges on the resilient locking piece, to ensure the locking piece deforms only in a normal direction, with a detector movable between standby and detecting positions to verify proper connection, and protection walls to prevent transverse displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the resilient locking piece is made deformable to enable detector movement, then the detector can move from standby to detecting position, but the locking piece may deform in abnormal directions causing improper connection
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient locking piece is designed with non-uniform thickness, having a first thickness in the deformation direction and a second thickness in the transverse direction. This local quality variation allows the locking piece to be more compliant in the needed deformation direction while more rigid in the transverse direction, preventing abnormal deformation and ensuring reliable connection state detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the resilient locking piece by varying its thickness in different directions. The first thickness (in deformation direction) is designed to be smaller than the second thickness (in transverse direction), creating anisotropic mechanical properties that guide deformation along the correct path while preventing abnormal deformation modes
2Reliability
If the resilient locking piece is made more rigid to prevent abnormal deformation, then connection reliability improves, but the detector cannot move between positions
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient locking piece employs local quality variation through non-uniform thickness distribution. The first thickness in the deformation direction is smaller, providing flexibility for detector movement, while the second thickness in the transverse direction is larger, providing rigidity to prevent abnormal deformation. This resolves the contradiction between movement capability and connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the thickness parameters of the resilient locking piece in different directions, the patent achieves optimal balance between flexibility and rigidity. The first thickness allows sufficient deformation for detector movement, while the second thickness prevents abnormal deformation, simultaneously satisfying both requirements
3Ease of manufacture
If the detector is made longer to provide clear visual indication, then connection status is more visible, but the detector may project beyond the housing unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is designed as a movable component that changes its effective length based on position. When moved to the detecting position, the detector extends to provide clear visual indication of proper connection. When retracted to the standby position, the detector is flush with the housing, minimizing projection and maintaining compact form factor
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
Prevents abnormal deformation of the resilient locking piece, ensuring accurate detection of connection states and preventing improper connection or separation, while providing a clear visual indication of proper connection status.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient locking piece is provided on the detector and projects towards the second housing... the resilient locking piece can be deformed only in a normal direction
Implementation Method 2
A lock arm is provided on the first housing and is inclined relative to the first housing at an intermediate stage of a connecting operation of the housings
Data Source
AI summary
A female connector (F) has a female housing (10) with a main body (11) and a lock arm (13) formed on an upper surface of the main body (11). A detector (40) is mounted on the upper surface of the lock arm (13) for movement between a standby position and a detecting position along a connecting direction of two connectors (F, M). Bulges (49) bulge out sideways from the opposite lateral edges of a resilient locking piece (41) provided in the detector (40). The bulges (49) engage an opening edge (29) of a locking hole (22) at the upper surface of the lock arm (13) to prevent the resilient locking piece (41) from being resiliently deformed down to insert a locking section (42) into the locking hole (22).