Connector Lock Arm with Sandwiched Support Walls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector lock structure is prone to impairment and plastic deformation when exposed to external forces, leading to reduced workability during fitting and unlocking operations, and requires a larger size to prevent incorrect operations.
Innovation Solution
A compact connector lock structure featuring a lock arm with flexible and deformable plate-shaped support walls that sandwich the rear portion of the lock arm, coupled via a coupling portion with an upward protruding portion to enhance rigidity and leverage, preventing external force-induced bending and deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the rigidity of the rear end portion is increased to prevent bending and plastic deformation, then the lock arm becomes more resistant to external forces, but the workability during fitting and unlocking operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different parts of the lock arm. The rear end portion is designed with a larger cross-sectional area and thicker structure to provide high rigidity and resistance to external forces, while the front portion including the lock claw maintains appropriate flexibility for locking operations. This local differentiation allows each part to have the properties needed for its specific function without compromising overall performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a bridge-shaped hood is provided to cover the rear side of the lock arm, then protection against external forces is improved, but the size of the connector housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective function into the lock arm structure itself by designing the rear end portion with an inherently larger cross-section that serves both as the structural backbone and as the protective element. This eliminates the need for a separate bridge-shaped hood, as the reinforced rear portion of the lock arm provides the necessary protection against external forces while maintaining a compact overall size.
3Strength
If the lock arm is made fully rigid to prevent bending, then protection against external forces is improved, but the elasticity required for locking and unlocking operations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating a gradient in structural rigidity along the lock arm. The rear end portion has high rigidity to resist external forces and maintain structural stability, while the front portion containing the lock claw has controlled flexibility to enable the elastic deformation needed for locking and unlocking. This spatial variation in mechanical properties allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
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
Ensures workability during connector fitting and unlocking operations while protecting the lock arm from external forces, maintaining the fitted state and preventing plastic deformation without increasing the connector housing size.
Implementation Method 1
The entire lock arm 513 has elasticity. The entire lock arm 513 undergoes bending deformation in a compression direction when receiving an external force, and is restored to the original bridge form by a repulsive force of the lock arm 513 when the external force is removed.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector lock structure includes a lock arm that extends along a fitting direction and is formed on a side wall of a connector housing, and maintains a fitted state by being elastically engaged with a counterpart connector housing; a pair of flexible and deformable plate-shaped support walls that protrude rearward of the side wall to sandwich a rear portion of the lock arm therebetween; a coupling portion that couples each of the plate-shaped support walls to the rear portion of the lock arm in a width direction of the connector housing; and an upward protruding portion that protrudes upward than the coupling portion and is formed on each of the plate-shaped support walls.