Asymmetric Connector Lock Arm for Compact Terminal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector assembly design often results in an increased width due to the presence of slide engaging grooves and abutting protrusions, which cannot be centered, leading to a larger overall size.
Innovation Solution
The connector assembly incorporates a lock arm on the side of the second housing, with an abutting portion that protrudes in a direction opposite to the width direction, preventing contact with the first terminal when the second housing is inclined, thus maintaining a compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slide engaging grooves and abutting protrusions are formed on opposing sides of the lock arm, then the second housing is prevented from contacting the first terminal during inclined insertion, but the width dimension of the connector assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The abutting function is extracted from the first housing and transferred to the lock arm itself. The lock arm includes an abutting portion that directly contacts the abutting-target portion of the first housing, eliminating the need for separate abutting protrusions on the first housing and reducing the overall width dimension while maintaining protection against terminal deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The lock arm is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides locking engagement through the engaging claw with the locking-target portion, guides insertion through the guide groove, and prevents terminal contact through the abutting portion. This multi-functionality consolidates protective features into a single component, reducing the number of separate structures needed and minimizing width dimension
2Length of moving object
If the lock arm is provided at the center of the second housing in the width direction, then the connector assembly achieves compact dimensions, but the lock arm cannot be positioned when structural constraints prevent centering
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm is positioned asymmetrically on one side of the second housing rather than at the center. The guide groove is correspondingly positioned on the same side, creating an asymmetric configuration that accommodates structural constraints while maintaining functional effectiveness. This asymmetric design allows the lock arm to be placed where structurally feasible without requiring center positioning
3Reliability
If the abutting portion protrudes in the first width direction from the lock arm, then the second housing is prevented from contacting the first terminal, but the connector assembly width increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the abutting portion protrude in the first width direction (which would increase width), the abutting portion is configured to protrude in the second width direction, which is opposite to the first width direction. This inverted orientation allows the abutting function to be achieved while preventing increase in the critical first width dimension of the connector assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first housing and a first terminal. The second connector includes a second housing and a second terminal. The first housing includes a locking-target portion and an abutting-target portion. The second housing includes a lock arm that is engaged with the locking-target portion. The lock arm includes an abutting portion that, when the second housing is moved relative to the first housing with the second housing being inclined relative to the first housing, abuts against the abutting-target portion to prevent the second housing from coming into contact with the first terminal. The lock arm is provided on a side of the second housing in a first width direction that extends along a width direction of the second housing.