Connector Lock Arm Segmentation for Accidental Contact Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies suffer from reduced operability due to the potential for inadvertent contact with the lock arm during connection, leading to sluggish movement and diminished tactile feedback, as the lock arm's base end is exposed and can be inadvertently pressed upon, affecting the connection process.
Innovation Solution
The connector design features a resiliently deformable lock arm with a free end and base end protected by first and second lock protections, respectively, and an unlocking space between them, allowing for safe exposure of an intermediate part to facilitate easy unlocking while preventing accidental contact, and includes bevels on the beams for comfortable operation and a hitting-sound generating portion for proper connection indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lock arm is made resiliently deformable for easy connection, then connection is facilitated, but the lock arm may be accidentally deformed by inadvertent contact
Solution Approach 1:
The lock arm is segmented into a resilient free end portion for connection deformation and a protected base end portion for stability. The lock protecting portion prevents inadvertent contact with these critical segments, ensuring the resilient deformation occurs only during intentional connection operation and not due to accidental contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock protecting portion provides preliminary protection to the free end and base end of the lock arm before connection occurs. This preliminary anti-action prevents accidental deformation of the resilient lock arm by blocking inadvertent contact, while still allowing intentional deformation during proper connection operation.
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 operability by preventing accidental contact with the lock arm, providing clear tactile and audible feedback upon proper connection, and ensures efficient unlocking and reconnection with improved user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The housing has a resiliently deformable lock arm that is cantilevered substantially along a connecting direction of the housing with the mating housing. The lock arm restores resiliently upon proper connection, and engages a lock of the mating housing to hold the housings connected.
Data Source
AI summary
A male housing (10) has a lock (17), whereas a female housing (20) has a resiliently deformable lock arm (31) cantilevered along a connecting direction of the two housings (10, 20). The lock arm (31) deforms in the process of connecting the two housings (10, 20) and resiliently restores upon proper connection to engage the lock (17) for holding the housings (10, 20) connected. The female housing (20) has a first lock protecting wall (36) covering a side of the lock arm (31) including a free end portion (31b), and a second lock protecting wall (37) covering a side of the lock arm (31) including base end portions (31a). An unlocking space (38) between the first and second lock protecting wall (36, 37) exposes a middle part (31c) of the lock arm (31) to the outside.