Connector Lock Ensuring Member Prevents Half-Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors lack sufficient force to prevent half-fitting, as the separating force depends solely on the elastic restoring force of the lock arm, leading to incomplete separation and potential electrical connections in non-waterproof configurations.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a lock projection, a lock arm that is elastically deformed and engaged with the lock projection, and a lock ensuring member with a pressing projection that increases the separating force by restoring the lock arm to its neutral condition, combining the elastic restoring forces of both the lock arm and the interference arm to facilitate easy separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If only the elastic restoring force of the lock arm is used to separate connectors, then the structure is simple, but the separating force is insufficient to prevent half-fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The interference arm acts as an intermediary element that transfers and amplifies the elastic restoring force. When the lock arm elastically deforms during connector separation, the interference arm receives this force through its interference portion and transmits it to the lock projection, creating an additional separating force that prevents half-fitting without requiring a completely new mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The interference arm is formed integrally with the lock ensuring member body, merging two functions into one component: the interference portion that provides additional separating force and the allowing/preventing positions that ensure proper connector engagement. This integration increases separating force while minimizing structural complexity
2Ease of operation
If the lock ensuring member is positioned to allow elastic deformation, then connector assembly is easy, but half-fitting cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ensuring member is designed to dynamically change position between allowing and preventing positions based on the engagement state. During assembly, it naturally moves to the allowing position enabling easy connector engagement. After engagement, the interference arm's engagement with the lock projection automatically shifts it to the preventing position, ensuring reliable connection without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The lock ensuring member automatically transitions between allowing and preventing positions through the mechanical interaction between the interference arm and lock projection during connector engagement and separation. The system self-regulates the lock ensuring member's position based on the engagement state, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms
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 enhanced separating force effectively prevents half-fitting and ensures complete disengagement of connectors, even in non-waterproof configurations, by utilizing the combined elastic restoring forces to maintain electrical isolation.
Implementation Method 1
a lock arm which is elastically deformed by the lock projection and is engaged with the lock projection
Implementation Method 2
the elastic restoring force of the lock arm and the elastic restoring force of the interference arm
Implementation Method 3
the interference arm is elastically deformed, and by the elastic restoring force of the interference arm, the pressing projection presses the lock arm
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention prevents two connector housings of a connector from being in a half-fitted condition by increasing restoring force which separates the two housing. A connector includes: a first connector housing including a lock projection; a second connector housing to be fitted to the first connector housing and integrally including a lock arm which is elastically deformed by the lock projection and is engaged with the lock projection; a lock ensuring member including a body which is attached to the second connector housing and movable between an allowing position and a preventing position, and an interference arm which is integrally provided on the body and includes a pressing projection. The pressing projection presses the lock arm while the lock projection deforms the lock arm at the allowing position, and the interference arm abuts the lock arm so as to prohibit the lock arm from deforming in the preventing position.