Connector Lock Deformation Prevention Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with deformable locks face challenges in maintaining interlocking force when subjected to strong separation forces, leading to potential disengagement and reduced locking force due to excessive deformation or oblique insertion.
Innovation Solution
The connector design incorporates a bracket that engages with the outer housing's locking section and guide rails, preventing outward deformation of the lock, along with a collision preventing rib and excessive deformation preventing piece, to enhance locking security and resistance to external forces and oblique insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a deformable lock is used to connect two housings, then the connector achieves ease of operation for assembly and disassembly, but the interlocking force is reduced under strong separation forces
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is pre-installed on the outer housing before the inner housing is connected, creating a preliminary protective structure that prevents excessive deformation of the lock during oblique insertion or under strong separation forces, ensuring the lock maintains its interlocking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket acts as an intermediary element between the lock and the external environment, absorbing and distributing separation forces to prevent direct transmission of excessive loads to the lock, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and sufficient interlocking strength
2Ease of operation
If the lock is allowed to deform outward for engagement, then the connector achieves ease of operation, but the lock may undergo excessive deformation under strong forces
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket provides preliminary resistance to outward deformation by engaging with the lock's retaining groove, preventing the lock from deforming beyond its elastic limit under strong separation forces while still allowing controlled deformation for engagement during normal operation
3Device complexity
If no additional reinforcement is added to prevent oblique insertion, then the connector maintains simple structure, but collision and excessive deformation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it prevents oblique insertion by providing a physical barrier, reinforces the lock against excessive deformation, and maintains structural simplicity by integrating these protective functions into a single component rather than adding separate reinforcement elements
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 significantly increases the interlocking force between housings, prevents excessive deformation, and ensures secure engagement even under strong separation forces or oblique alignment, while maintaining a compact size without separate reinforcement.
Implementation Method 1
A side wall of the outer housing has a resilient lock that is deformable outward in the thickness direction of the side wall
Implementation Method 2
The bracket prevents outward deformation of the lock in the thickness direction of the side wall of the outer housing when the locking section of the bracket and the engaging portion of the outer housing are engaged
Data Source
AI summary
A connector has a housing (12) and a frame (15). The housing (12) has a wall (58) and a lock (19) that is resiliently deformable outward in the thickness direction of the wall (58). The lock (19) engages an interlocking portion (18) in the frame (15) when the housing (12) and the frame (15) are connected properly. A bracket (16) is inserted into a deformation area (62) for the lock (19) to prevent deformation of the lock (19). Thus, the lock (19) remains engaged with the interlocking portion (18) even if a force acts in a direction to separate the housing (12) and the frame (15).