Connector Lock Portion Inversion for Size Reduction and Shock Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors lack effective shock prevention and have a larger size due to protrusions on the outer surface, which can be hazardous and inefficient in design.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a protrusion portion on the inner surface of the upper wall that protrudes downward, creating a space for a lock portion, preventing electrical shock and reducing size by eliminating the need for upward protrusions on the outer surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock portion protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall, then the locking function is achieved, but the connector size increases and shock prevention function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The lock portion is inverted from the conventional design where it protrudes outward from the outer surface. Instead, it protrudes inward from the inner surface of the upper wall downward into the receiving portion. This inversion allows the lock portion to achieve the locking function while being contained within the connector housing, thereby reducing the overall connector size and eliminating the need for external protrusions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock portion is nested within the housing structure by positioning it on the inner surface of the upper wall rather than on the outer surface. The protrusion portion creates a downward protrusion that forms the lock portion, which is nested within the receiving portion space. This nesting approach allows the locking mechanism to be integrated within the existing connector volume without adding external protrusions that would increase size.
2Reliability
If the lock portion protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall, then the locking function is achieved, but the shock prevention function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The lock portion is inverted from protruding outward on the outer surface to protruding inward on the inner surface. This inversion positions the lock portion within the receiving portion where it can prevent electrical shock by blocking access to electrical contacts, while still maintaining the locking function through engagement with the mating connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion portion on the inner surface of the upper wall serves multiple functions: it forms the lock portion for locking engagement and simultaneously acts as a shock prevention barrier. By positioning this single structural feature to perform both locking and safety functions, the design eliminates the need for separate external protrusions that would not provide shock prevention.
3Volume of stationary object
If space is utilized on the inner surface of the upper wall for the lock portion, then the connector size is reduced, but the lock portion placement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The upper wall structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the inner surface contains the protrusion portion that forms the lock portion, while the outer surface maintains its structural integrity. This segmentation allows the lock portion to be positioned on the inner surface without compromising the outer surface design, making the implementation straightforward despite the unconventional placement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector is mateable with a mating connector along a front-rear direction. The mating connector has a mating lock portion. The connector comprises a housing and a contact. The housing has an upper wall and a lower wall. The housing forms a receiving portion. The receiving portion receives the mating connector when the connector and the mating connector are mated with each other. The contact is held by the housing. The contact protrudes in the receiving portion. The receiving portion is positioned between the upper wall and the lower wall in an up-down direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. An inner surface of the upper wall is provided with a lock portion and a protrusion portion. When the connector and the mating connector are mated with each other, the lock portion locks the mating lock portion to lock a mating of the connector with the mating connector. The protrusion portion protrudes downward in the up-down direction.