Connector Lock Arm Reduces Unlocking Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors require high unlocking force due to a wide pressing area, which compromises the desired locking force when attempting to thin the arm body and legs for reduction.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a lock arm with three-point support, including a base end and two lateral legs, and an unlocking mechanism with interlocking and independent supports that allow for reduced unlocking force while maintaining locking force, utilizing cutout recesses to facilitate easy deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pressing portion is made wide to ensure finger placing area, then ease of operation is improved, but unlocking force becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The leg is designed to extend in the front-rear direction (depth dimension) rather than only laterally, creating an independent support that separates from the lock arm's displacement path. This dimensional separation allows the pressing area to remain wide for ease of operation while the force is distributed along the depth axis, reducing the unlocking force required.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg is segmented into two functional parts: the interlocking support portion that connects to the unlocking portion and moves with it, and the independent support portion that remains separated from the lock arm's displacement. This segmentation allows the wide pressing portion to be maintained while the independent support bears the load, reducing the force needed to unlock.
2Force
If the arm body and leg are thinned to reduce unlocking force, then unlocking force is reduced, but locking force becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The leg is divided into interlocking and independent support portions. The interlocking support maintains structural connection for locking force, while the independent support provides additional load-bearing capacity during unlocking without requiring increased thickness of the arm body.
Solution Approach 2:
The independent support acts as an intermediary structure that bears the unlocking load separately from the lock arm. This mediator allows the arm body to remain thin while still achieving reduced unlocking force, as the independent support transfers the load to the housing body.
3Ease of operation
If the lock arm is displaced down to unlock, then locking is released, but excessive deflection may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking support serves as an intermediary that connects the unlocking portion to the housing body. It mediates the displacement by providing a controlled path for movement and limiting excessive deflection through its structural connection to the housing body.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking support is positioned and dimensioned to anticipate and limit excessive deflection before it occurs. As the lock arm displaces down during unlocking, the interlocking support engages with the housing body to prevent over-deflection, cushioning the movement in advance.
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 ensures a reduced unlocking force while maintaining a strong locking force for the mating connector, preventing excessive deflection and ensuring secure connection.
Implementation Method 1
a lock arm 30 having a front end coupled to the housing body 20 and extending rearward, two legs 80 laterally supporting the lock arm 30, an arm body 40 having a lock 60 provided behind a base end part 41 and to be locked to the mating connector 100 by resiliently returning upward
Implementation Method 2
the interlocking supports 81 are thinned by the cutout recesses C, and the lock arm 30 is deflected easily when being displaced down
Data Source
AI summary
A female connector (10) includes a housing body (20). A lock arm (30) has a front end coupled to the housing body (20) and extends rearward. Two legs (80) laterally support the lock arm (30). The lock arm (30) includes an arm body (40) having a lock claw (60) behind a base end (41) and can lock to a mating connector (100) by resiliently returning upward. An unlocking portion (50) is at a rear end of the arm body (40) for displacing the arm body (40) down. An interlocking support (81) extends laterally from the unlocking portion (50) above the housing body (20) and an independent support (82) is separated from the lock arm (30) above the housing body (20), extends in a front-rear direction and has one end coupled to the interlocking support (81) and the other end coupled to the housing body (82).