Connector Lock Arm with Variable Width Hole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connectors with lock arms that engage with counterpart connectors face operability issues during engagement releasing, particularly when the locking piece of the counterpart connector is large, due to strength deterioration around the locking hole, leading to potential failure in releasing the engagement.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a lock arm with a cantilever beam shape and a locking hole whose width increases towards the free end, formed from a hydrolysis-resistant material, mitigates stress concentration and allows adjustable strength by varying the hole width enlarging portion's inclination angle, ensuring effective engagement releasing regardless of the locking piece size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the locking hole size is increased to accommodate a larger locking piece, then the adaptability to different connector sizes is improved, but the strength of the lock arm deteriorates due to reduced material in the periphery of the locking hole
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hole is designed with non-uniform width: narrower in the region where strength is critical (near the fixing end) and wider in the region where adaptability is needed (near the free end). This local variation in geometry allows the hole to accommodate different locking piece sizes while maintaining sufficient material for strength in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking hole is segmented into different width regions along its length. The first region (near the fixing end) has a smaller width to maintain strength, while the second region (toward the free end) has a larger width to provide adaptability. This segmentation allows each region to optimize for its specific functional requirement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the locking hole is made larger to fit larger locking pieces, then the versatility of the connector is improved, but the operability of engagement releasing deteriorates due to potential preferential bending of weak parts
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hole geometry is locally optimized: the narrower section near the fixing end maintains structural integrity to prevent preferential bending, while the wider section toward the free end accommodates various locking piece sizes. This ensures that when force is applied to the releasing arm, the engaging arm bends as intended rather than the locking hole region deforming unexpectedly.
3Device complexity
If the lock arm structure is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of engagement releasing deteriorates when small strength parts exist between the operation portion and fixing end
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than adding complex structural elements, the solution locally modifies the locking hole geometry to have variable width. This simple geometric change eliminates weak sections that could cause preferential bending, maintaining reliability while keeping the overall structure simple and avoiding increased device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing and a lock arm that extends from the housing and is engageable with a counterpart connector. The lock arm includes a first arm a has a shape of a cantilever beam and has a locking hole for being engaged with the counterpart connector at a free end side of the first arm, and a second arm that extends from an end portion on the free end side of the first arm and is capable of releasing the engagement by bending the first arm around a fixing end of the first arm. The locking hole has a hole of which the size in a width direction orthogonal to an extending direction of the first arm becomes larger as a measurement position of the size of the hole gets closer to the free end from the fixing end.