Connector Lock Mechanism for Interference-Free Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with locking mechanisms often suffer from structural complexity due to interference issues between components, and there is a need for the lock to perform functions other than locking without interfering with the lever.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a lock receiving portion on the peripheral wall of the accommodating recess, allowing the lock to be positioned in a way that avoids interference with the lever, while also enabling the detection of the semi-assembled state of the mat seal cover through an assembling detection surface, and providing enhanced locking strength at the pull-out port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lock is disposed at a position to avoid interference with the lever, then the lever and lock will not interfere with one another, but the lock may interfere with another member such as a holder
Solution Approach 1:
The lock receiving portion is positioned on the peripheral wall of the accommodating recess, utilizing the spatial dimension created by the recess structure. This allows the lock to engage from the inner side of the peripheral wall at a location that is spatially separated from both the lever's rotation path and the holder's position, thereby avoiding interference with all components simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The lock receiving portion is nested within the accommodating recess structure, specifically on its peripheral wall. This nesting arrangement allows the lock to be positioned within the existing structural envelope of the housing, utilizing the recess as a containing structure that provides both spatial separation from the lever and structural support for the lock engagement
2Ease of operation
If the lock is retracted to a position to avoid interference with the lever, then the lever can rotate freely, but the retracted lock may interfere with another member such as a holder
Solution Approach 1:
The lock receiving portion is positioned on the peripheral wall of the accommodating recess, utilizing the spatial dimension created by the recess structure. This allows the lock to engage from the inner side of the peripheral wall at a location that is spatially separated from both the lever's rotation path and the holder's position, thereby avoiding interference with all components simultaneously
3Reliability
If a lock is added to lock the wire cover to the housing body, then the wire cover can be secured, but the lock makes the entire structure complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the primary locking function to secure the wire cover to the housing, and simultaneously serves as an assembling detection mechanism. When the lock moves toward the lock receiving portion, it contacts the assembling detection surface on the mat seal cover to detect whether the mat seal cover is properly assembled, thereby eliminating the need for separate detection components
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism and the assembling detection function are merged into a single integrated system. The lock structure itself is used to detect the assembled state by contacting the assembling detection surface, combining two functions into one component arrangement and reducing overall structural complexity
4Ease of operation
If the lock is positioned to engage from the inner side of the peripheral wall, then interference with the lever is avoided, but the locking strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into multiple independent locking elements (first lock and second lock) that are distributed at different positions on the wire cover. This segmentation allows each lock to engage with its corresponding lock receiving portion on the peripheral wall, distributing the locking force across multiple engagement points and compensating for the reduced leverage effect of inner-side engagement
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 solution simplifies the structure, enhances the functionality of the lock by allowing it to detect the assembled state, and ensures robust locking strength without interference, thereby improving the overall usability and reliability of the connector.
Implementation Method 1
a mat seal in the form of a resilient plate is arranged to face a back surface of the accommodating recess
Implementation Method 2
the lock moving toward the lock receiving portion contacts the assembling detection surface when the mat seal cover is in a semi-assembled state
Data Source
AI summary
A wire cover (70) is arranged to cover a rear surface of a mat seal cover (50) and includes a lock (78) to be locked to a lock receiving portion (27) of a housing (10). The lock receiving portion (27) is arranged at a position corresponding to a lever (90) covering an outer surface side of a peripheral wall (24) of an accommodating recess (23). The lock (78) is locked to the lock receiving portion (27) from an inner surface side of the peripheral wall (24) of the accommodating recess (23). The mat seal cover (50) has an assembling detection surface (55) with which the lock (78) moving toward the lock receiving portion (27) comes into contact when the mat seal cover (50) is in a semi-assembled state without being locked to the housing (10).