Connector Outer Housing Lock Arm for High Retaining Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized electrical connectors face challenges in achieving sufficient retaining force, often requiring secondary locks to enhance retention, whereas a design that relies solely on a primary lock with enhanced retaining force is desirable.
Innovation Solution
A connector outer housing featuring an elastic lock arm with a support structure comprising legs at different angles, allowing for elastic deformation to increase locking force, and an optional secondary lock that can enhance retention further by interfering with the unlocking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If miniaturized connectors use a conventional latching structure, then the connector size is reduced, but the retaining force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The latching structure is divided into multiple functional segments: a locking segment with latching nose for engagement, an unlocking segment for actuation, and a support structure with multiple legs. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving high retaining force in a compact design
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure uses multiple legs extending in different directions (different angles) to provide multi-directional support to the elastic lock arm. This spatial arrangement optimizes force distribution and maximizes retaining force while minimizing the connector's overall volume
2Force
If a secondary lock accessory is added to enhance retaining force, then the retaining force is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic lock arm serves multiple functions: it provides the primary latching action through its locking segment, offers an unlocking mechanism through its unlocking segment, and can optionally work with a secondary lock for enhanced retention. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic lock arm is self-actuating through its unlocking segment, which can be pressed to release the latching nose from the hook boss structure. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external unlocking mechanisms while maintaining high retaining force
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 achieves a higher retaining force without the need for secondary locks, with the elastic lock arm providing over 300 N of dry latching force and over 223 N of wet latching force, effectively securing connections in miniaturized connectors.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic lock arm can be elastically deformed to raise the locking segment under an external force applied to the unlocking segment
Data Source
AI summary
A connector outer housing is provided, which comprises a first opening at a tail end and a second opening at a connection end, the first opening is for wire entrance and the second opening is to form a connection relationship with a mating connector outer housing, wherein a elastic lock arm is provided on an operating surface of the connector outer housing and comprises a locking segment proximate to the connection end and an unlocking segment away from the connection end, the elastic lock arm is positioned on the connector outer housing by means of a support structure and can be elastically deformed to raise the locking segment under an external force applied to the unlocking segment, wherein the support structure is connected to the elastic lock arm through a plurality of connection portions.