Connector Lock Mechanism Prevents Operation Member Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors fail to maintain a secure connection with a connection target when a withdrawal force is applied, leading to potential damage and disconnection, as the operation member can be pushed upward and detached from the housing.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with a recess-like shaft receiving portion and an operation member with a lock portion and projection that, when in the closed position, prevents pull-out of the connection target and inhibits movement of the operation member in the opening direction, ensuring the connection remains stable under withdrawal force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation member is held rotatably in the housing with guide recess portions opening upward, then the connection target can be inserted and secured through rotation, but the operation member can be pushed upward by withdrawal force causing disconnection and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a stopper that prevents the operation member from moving upward before the harmful effect (disconnection) can occur. The stopper is positioned to abut against the operation member and counteract any upward pushing force generated by withdrawal force on the connection target, thus preventing the operation member from detaching from the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation member is segmented into distinct functional portions: a rotation shaft portion for rotational movement, an actuation portion for engaging the connection target, and a stopper portion for preventing upward movement. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, enabling the operation member to rotate for securing while being protected from upward displacement by the stopper.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the guide recess portions are open upward to allow rotation, then the operation member can rotate freely during insertion, but the operation member may come off the housing upward when subjected to withdrawal force
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper provides preliminary anti-action by being pre-positioned to counteract upward forces on the operation member. The stopper abuts against the operation member to prevent upward movement while allowing rotational movement, thus maintaining position stability without restricting rotational adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide recess portions are designed with asymmetric characteristics: they are open upward to allow rotation but have a stopper positioned to constrain upward movement. This asymmetric design enables rotational freedom in one direction while providing stability against upward displacement, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
3Strength
If the actuation portion projects inside the insertion portion to engage the connection target, then secure attachment is achieved through rotation, but the actuation portion is vulnerable to upward pushing force that can detach the operation member
Solution Approach 1:
The operation member is segmented into an actuation portion for engagement and a stopper portion for protection. The actuation portion projects inside the insertion portion to engage the connection target and provide strong attachment through rotation, while the separate stopper portion protects against the harmful effect of upward pushing force by preventing detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper acts as an intermediary protective element between the actuation portion and the harmful upward force. When withdrawal force applies upward pushing force to the actuation portion, the stopper intervenes by abutting against the operation member to counteract this force, preventing the actuation portion from being pushed upward and protecting the attachment strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector has a housing including an insertion portion, a recess-shaped shaft receiving portion opening in an opening direction and an abutment surface facing in an opposite direction from the opening direction, and an operation member held by the housing rotatably around an axis direction of a rotation shaft portion inserted in the shaft receiving portion, the operation member including a lock portion and a projection, as the operation member is brought to a closed position while a connection end portion of a connection target is inserted in the insertion portion, the lock portion is fitted in a lock receiving portion of the connection target to prohibit pull-out of the connection end portion of the connection target from the insertion portion, and the projection comes into contact with the abutment surface to prohibit movement of the operation member in the opening direction.