Connector Tray Positioning via Lock Member Force Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector devices for electronic apparatuses face challenges in controlling the relative position between a tray and a case due to fabrication and erection tolerances, leading to inconsistent tray positioning.

Innovation Solution

A connector device with a lock member and pressing mechanism that allows for adjustable positioning by moving the lock member between defined positions and applying force to the case, ensuring precise alignment of the tray relative to the case.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the tray is accommodated in the connector body using conventional engagement structures, then the tray can be held in position, but the relative position of the tray to the case cannot be easily controlled due to fabrication tolerances and erection tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetray positioning accuracyVSAvoidrelative position control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lock member acts as an intermediary between the tray and the case. It has a lock portion that engages with the locked portion of the tray, and a pressed portion that contacts the case. This intermediary structure allows the tray position to be controlled relative to the case through the lock member's positioning, rather than relying directly on the connector body's position which is affected by tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock member is designed to be movable between a first position and a second position along the insertion direction. By changing the position parameter of the lock member, the system can accommodate fabrication tolerances while maintaining reliable tray positioning. The lock member's movement capability allows adjustment to compensate for tolerance variations in the connector body's position relative to the case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the lock member is made movable to enable unlocking, then the tray can be removed, but the lock member might move beyond defined positions due to tolerance accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetray removal capabilityVSAvoidlock position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is designed with preliminary anti-action to prevent the lock member from moving beyond defined positions. The lock member is constrained by the connector body structure and the engagement with the tray's locked portion, which prevents excessive movement in either direction. This preliminary constraint ensures that the lock member remains within its intended range of motion, maintaining reliable locking and unlocking operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The lock member is designed with built-in positioning features that establish its position before operation. The first position and second position are predetermined by the structure's geometry and engagement points. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the lock member moves for unlocking or locking, it follows a controlled path and stops at the correct positions, preventing tolerance accumulation from causing positional errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the pressed portion is added to press against the case, then the relative position between the tray and case can be controlled, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetray to case position controlVSAvoidlock member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock member is designed with multi-functionality. It not only provides locking and unlocking functions through its movement between first and second positions, but also provides positioning function through its pressed portion that contacts the case. By making the lock member serve multiple functions, the patent avoids adding a separate positioning mechanism, thus controlling tray-to-case position without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the locking function and the positioning function into a single lock member structure. The lock portion handles the locking function by engaging with the tray, while the pressed portion handles the positioning function by contacting the case. This merging of functions into one component simplifies the overall structure compared to having separate locking and positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9147134B2Connector device and electronic apparatus including thereof

Publication Date: 2015.09.29 JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS IND LTD

AI summary

A connector device comprises a tray, a connector body, a lock member and a pressing member. The lock member is unmovable beyond a second position along an ejection direction. The pressing member applies a force toward the second position directly or indirectly to the lock member. The tray is formed with a locked portion. The lock member is provided with a lock portion and a pressed portion. The lock portion locks the locked portion to prevent the tray from moving beyond a lock position along the ejection direction when the tray is accommodated in the connector body. The pressing member presses the pressed portion against the case when the connector device is attached in the case. The tray located at the locked position is positioned relatively to the case by this pressing.