Connector Lock Arm Protection via Front Wall and Sidewalls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors lack protection against foreign objects intruding from the front of the lock arm, as the existing designs either expose the lock arm or have structural limitations that allow intrusion from the sides when not attached to a panel.
Innovation Solution
The connector features a front wall and sidewalls on either side of the lock arm, preventing foreign object intrusion from both the front and sides, while allowing for sideways mold drawing and maintaining at least one side open for manufacturing, ensuring secure attachment to a panel and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lock arm is exposed on the connector housing, then the connector can be directly coupled with a mating connector without panel interposition, but foreign objects can intrude under the lock arm and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by adding sidewalls that extend from the front wall to enclose the lock arm laterally. This creates a three-dimensional protective structure (front wall + sidewalls) that blocks foreign objects from reaching the lock arm from the front and sides, while still allowing the lock arm to perform its coupling function when needed
2Ease of manufacture
If a mold structured to be drawn frontward from the lock arm is used, then the lock arm can be manufactured, but the front of the lock arm must be opened for mold removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mold drawing approach by changing the mold drawing direction from frontward to lateral (sideways). This allows the mold to be drawn out from the side of the connector body, enabling the formation of complete protective walls around the lock arm including the front wall, without requiring the front to be open for mold removal
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the lock arm is positioned between sidewalls extending along the insertion direction, then side intrusion is prevented, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the housing members multi-functional by designing them to simultaneously serve as structural supports, mounting surfaces for the lock arm, and protective barriers against foreign object intrusion. The sidewalls and front walls are integrated into the housing members, which also provide mechanical support and positioning for the lock arm, thereby reducing overall structure complexity while achieving protection
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector housing is disclosed having a first housing member, and a second housing member mated with the first housing member. A front wall is disposed on an outer surface of at least one of the housing members and extends perpendicular to an insertion direction. A first sidewall is disposed on the outer surface of the first housing member and extends along the insertion direction, perpendicular to the front wall. A second sidewall is disposed on the outer surface of the second housing member and extends along the insertion direction, parallel with the first sidewall and perpendicular to the front wall. A cantilevered first lock arm extends along an insertion direction and is positioned between the first sidewall and second sidewall. The lock arm includes a fixed end, a free end, and a hook.