Connector Rotation Prevention Lock Arm Fitting Alignment

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing connector devices for vehicles experience inefficiencies and facilitation issues during the fitting process due to inclination and dispersion of fitting force vectors, caused by rotation around the contact point with the peripheral edge of the mounting hole, which weakens the fitting force and complicates the assembly process.

Innovation Solution

The connector device incorporates a rotation prevention lock arm that flexurally deforms to temporarily lock onto the peripheral edge of the mounting hole, preventing rotation and ensuring a stable fitting position, while the lock arm locking portion and actual locking portion secure the connection, enhancing the efficiency and ease of fitting work.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lock arm is used to temporarily lock the first connector housing to the mounting hole, then the connector can be positioned during assembly, but rotation around the contact point causes dispersion of fitting force vectors and reduces fitting efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefitting facilitationVSAvoidfitting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is divided into two separate components: the lock arm for initial temporary locking and positioning, and the rotation prevention lock arm specifically dedicated to preventing rotational movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and fitting efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation prevention lock arm acts as an intermediary element between the first connector housing and the mounting hole. It specifically addresses the rotational issue without affecting the primary locking function, thereby maintaining fitting force concentration and improving fitting efficiency while preserving the ease of temporary locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the lock arm flexurally deforms to lock onto the peripheral edge, then temporary locking is achieved, but rotation around the contact point weakens the fitting force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemporary locking stabilityVSAvoidfitting force concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is divided into two separate components: the lock arm for initial temporary locking and positioning, and the rotation prevention lock arm specifically dedicated to preventing rotational movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and fitting efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation prevention lock arm acts as an intermediary element between the first connector housing and the mounting hole. It specifically addresses the rotational issue without affecting the primary locking function, thereby maintaining fitting force concentration and improving fitting efficiency while preserving the ease of temporary locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration prevents rotation and maintains a stable fitting force, improving the facilitation and efficiency of the connector assembly process by maintaining alignment and ensuring a secure connection without dispersion of the fitting force vector.

Implementation Method 1

a lock arm configured to flexurally-deform into a state allowing to temporary lock the lock arm to the peripheral edge of the mounting hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexural deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

locate a temporary locking position to a position allowing to prevent rotation around the temporary locking position of the lock arm as a supporting point

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation prevention through geometric constraint: Geometry

Data Source

PatentUS9397451B2Connector device

Publication Date: 2016.07.19 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

A first connector housing (4) includes a rotation prevention lock arm (200) configured to flexurally-deform into a state allowing to temporary lock the rotation prevention lock arm (200) to a peripheral edge (7b) of a mounting hole (7) and to locate a temporary locking position to a position allowing to prevent rotation around the temporary locking position of a lock arm (9) as a supporting point (P1, 7a), and a second connector housing (3) includes a rotation prevention pressing portion (250) configured to flexurally-deform the rotation prevention lock arm (200), and the rotation prevention pressing portion (250) temporarily locks the rotation prevention lock arm (200) to the peripheral edge (7b) of the mounting hole (7) in timing when a lock arm locking portion (8) temporarily locks the lock arm (9) to the peripheral edge (7a) of the mounting hole (7).