Connector Lock Arm Fulcrum Arrangement for Durability
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with cantilever structures face challenges in efficiently transferring pressing force for smooth locking and releasing due to inclined displacement directions, leading to durability issues and increased size, making them difficult to miniaturize.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a lock arm supported at both ends, where the rear end fulcrum is positioned opposite to the locking claw's protruding direction, allowing efficient force transfer and increased deformation, enabling smooth locking and releasing without compromising durability or size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cantilever structure lock arm is used, then the lock arm can be easily elastically deformed, but the durability is deteriorated and the connector housing is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm is divided into multiple sections with different structural characteristics. The front portion maintains a cantilever structure for easy deformation, while the rear portion uses a both-ends-supported structure for improved durability. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the lock arm are given different structural qualities. The front section has a cantilever structure with one end fixed to the housing, allowing easy elastic deformation. The rear section has a both-ends-supported structure with both ends fixed to the housing, providing higher durability and resistance to bending moments.
2Ease of operation
If the lock release part is pressed in a direction inclined relative to the connector housing, then the lock arm can be deformed, but the pressing force is not efficiently transferred and the locked state cannot be smoothly released
Solution Approach 1:
The fulcrum positions are arranged asymmetrically relative to the locking claw's protruding direction. The rear fulcrum is positioned at an opposite side to the protruding direction compared to the front fulcrum, creating an asymmetric fulcrum arrangement that optimizes force transfer efficiency when the lock release part is pressed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fulcrums are pre-positioned at specific locations on the housing before operation. The rear fulcrum is positioned at an opposite side to the protruding direction of the locking claw, which preliminarily sets up the force transfer path to ensure efficient action when the lock release part is pressed.
3Reliability
If a both ends-supported structure is used for the lock arm, then the durability is improved, but the space for bending the lock arm must be secured, enlarging the connector housing
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm utilizes dynamic elastic deformation within the constraints of the both-ends-supported structure. The fulcrum arrangement and elastic material properties allow the lock arm to bend and return dynamically, providing durability while minimizing the space required for deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameters of the lock arm by using a both-ends-supported structure with specifically positioned fulcrums. This parameter change improves durability while the elastic material and optimized fulcrum positions minimize the deformation space required, avoiding housing enlargement.
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 design ensures efficient locking and releasing of the connector, improves durability, and allows for miniaturization by optimizing the fulcrum positions and deformation, resulting in a smaller and more reliable connector.
Implementation Method 1
the lock arm 4 is elastically deformed so that a central portion thereof is downward bent
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a connector. A lock arm is connected at a leading end-side and a rear end-side of a housing, supported at both ends thereof along an insertion/pulling out direction with respect to an opposite connector housing, and elastically deformable with the connection parts with the housing serving as fulcrums. A locking claw is formed at the lock arm and locked into a locking hole of the opposite connector housing when inserting the housing into the opposite connector housing. The lock arm has a lock release part which releases a locked state of the locking claw to the locking hole by being pressed toward the rear end-side beyond the locking claw. A position of the fulcrum at the rear end-side is arranged at an opposite side to a protruding direction of the locking claw, compared to a position of the fulcrum at the leading end-side.