Connector Lock Arm with Lateral Pressable Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors face operational inefficiencies due to the risk of inadvertently deforming the lock arm, leading to a dull locking sound and poor unlockability, caused by the large elevation difference between protection walls and the lock arm, which hinders finger insertion and stability during the locking and unlocking processes.
Innovation Solution
The connector design features a housing with a resiliently deformable lock arm, pressable portions, and strategically positioned walls to guide the finger correctly, ensuring proper engagement and disengagement without deforming the lock arm inadvertently, and includes a wide pressing range and inclined surfaces for improved operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protection walls are formed to cover the lock arm, then the lock arm is protected from inadvertent deformation, but the finger insertion depth required increases due to large elevation difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lateral pressing dimension by forming pressable portions on the side surfaces of the housing that correspond to the lock arm. This allows the locking action to be performed laterally rather than requiring deep vertical finger insertion into the unlocking space, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressable portions act as intermediary elements that transmit the locking force from the housing to the lock arm. By pressing these intermediate points, the lock arm is actuated without requiring direct finger contact with the lock arm itself or deep insertion into the protected unlocking space.
2Ease of operation
If the opening area of the unlocking space is increased, then finger insertion is easier, but the housing size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the operational interface from the vertical unlocking space to lateral pressable portions on the housing sides. This dimensional change allows easy access and operation without increasing the housing's overall footprint or the unlocking space opening area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential locking function from the deep unlocking space and relocates it to accessible pressable portions on the housing exterior. This separation allows the unlocking function to be accessed easily without requiring a large opening in the housing structure.
3Reliability
If the lock arm is made resiliently deformable for locking engagement, then the locking function is achieved, but inadvertent deformation occurs when finger presses the free end
Solution Approach 1:
The pressable portions serve as controlled intermediary points that transmit force to the lock arm through the structured support and arm portion. This controlled force transmission path prevents inadvertent deformation at the free end while maintaining the resilient locking function, as the force is applied through designated pathways rather than directly to vulnerable areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure with pressable portions pre-establishes the correct force application points and pathways before operation. This preliminary structural arrangement guides the user's finger to the proper location and orientation, preventing inadvertent pressing of the free end that could cause unwanted deformation.
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 enhances the locking and unlocking processes by providing a clear and stable path for finger operation, ensuring a satisfying locking sound and improved overall operability by preventing accidental deformation of the lock arm and reducing interference with the mating lock.
Implementation Method 1
a lock arm 19 which has a support 21 that projects up from the housing 10 and an arm portion 22 that cantilevers forward from the support 21 in a connecting direction CD and is resiliently deformable
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is provided with a housing 10 connectable with a mating housing 80. A lock arm 19 includes a support 21 that stands up from the housing 10. An arm portion 22 is cantilevered forward in a connecting direction CD from the support 21 and is adapted to hold the two housings 10, 80 in a connected state by a locking movement of the arm portion 22 when the two housings 10, 80 are connected properly. Pressable portions 33 are formed on the housing 10 behind the support 21 in the connecting direction and face the support 21. The pressable portions 33 are pressable in the connecting process.