Connector Lock Arm Guiding Surface Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors provide a poor operation feeling due to small variation in connection resistance when the lock arm is partially deformed at the start of the connecting operation, making it difficult for operators to gauge the progress of the connection.
Innovation Solution
The connector design features a guiding surface with a first guiding surface inclined at a moderate angle and a second guiding surface with a steeply curved area, allowing the lock arm to contact the second guiding surface for a sudden increase in connection resistance, enhancing the operation feeling by providing a clear indication of the connection progress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lock arm is partially deformed at the start of the connecting operation, then the connecting operation can still proceed, but the variation of connection resistance becomes small making it difficult for operators to gauge progress
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding surface is divided into two distinct segments: a first guiding surface with a moderate inclination angle and a second guiding surface with a steep inclination angle. This segmentation allows the lock arm to experience different resistance characteristics at different stages of insertion, providing clear tactile feedback even when partially deformed initially.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the guiding surface are given different local qualities through varying inclination angles. The first guiding surface has a gentler slope for initial engagement, while the second guiding surface has a steeper slope to provide a noticeable resistance change and tactile feedback when the lock arm reaches that region during insertion.
2Ease of operation
If the guiding surface has a uniform moderate inclination angle, then the lock arm can slide smoothly during connection, but the connection resistance variation is insufficient to provide clear operation feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding surface features non-uniform local qualities with different inclination angles in different regions. The first guiding surface maintains a moderate angle for smooth initial engagement, while the second guiding surface introduces a steeper angle to create a noticeable resistance change that provides tactile feedback to the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding surface is segmented into distinct zones with different geometric characteristics. This segmentation creates varying resistance profiles as the lock arm progresses through the insertion process, enabling the operator to sense connection progress through changes in connection resistance.
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 design ensures a good operation feeling by providing a sudden increase in connection resistance when the lock arm contacts the second guiding surface, allowing operators to clearly sense the progress of the connecting operation even when the lock arm is initially deformed.
Implementation Method 1
The lock arm is deformed by sliding in contact with the guiding surface in the process of connecting the housings
Implementation Method 2
The lock arm continues to slide in contact with the guiding surface and deforms further as the connecting operation proceeds
Data Source
AI summary
In the process of connecting two housings (10, 30), a lock arm (36) is resiliently deformed in an unlocking direction crossing a connecting direction of the two housings (10, 30) by sliding in contact with a guiding surface (17) of a lock portion (16). The guiding surface (17) includes a first guiding surface (17A) arranged in a front area in the connecting direction to the second housing (30) and a second guiding surface (17B) arranged in an area behind the first guiding surface (17A) in the connecting direction to the second housing (30) and having a steep area (22) whose angle of inclination with respect to the connecting direction of the two housings (10, 30) is larger than that of the first guiding surface (17A).