Connector Lock Structure With Pivoting Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors face issues with reduced mounting force due to abrasion and instability in electrical connections, leading to potential damage and unstable signal transmission, especially in miniaturized electronic devices with thin connectors.
Innovation Solution
A lock structure for connector assemblies featuring a socket connector with conductive terminals, clasping parts, and a handle that pivots to securely lock onto an outer metal shell, ensuring stable electrical connections and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the main body and base are integrally formed by colloid and connected by buckling convex buckle and buckle groove, then the connector structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the mounting force reduces due to abrasion from multiple insertions and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components: the main body and base are not integrally formed but are separate pieces that connect through the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the locking structure to provide strong mounting force while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates a movable locking component that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic element allows the connector to maintain strong mounting force during operation while enabling repeated insertions and connections without permanent degradation
2Device complexity
If the male connector and female connector are connected by frictional contacts between conductive terminals and contact terminals, then the connection is simple, but the fastening effect is not strong enough and the connector may be loosened or separated by external force
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection and mechanical locking functions are merged into a single integrated locking mechanism. The locking component simultaneously secures the mechanical connection and maintains the electrical contact between conductive terminals and contact terminals, providing both simplicity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component acts as an intermediary element between the male and female connectors. It provides the additional fastening effect needed to prevent loosening or separation from external forces while maintaining the simple frictional contact electrical connection
3Volume of moving object
If the connector size is reduced to meet thin and miniaturized design requirements, then the connector fits better in thin electronic products, but it becomes more difficult to connect and fasten with general wires or flexible circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-operating through a simple handle movement. The user simply moves the handle to engage or disengage the lock, and the mechanism automatically performs the connection or separation action, making operation easy despite the miniaturized size
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes a lateral dimension for the locking action rather than requiring force along the insertion axis. The handle moves perpendicular to the connection direction to engage the lock, providing mechanical advantage in a compact space and easing the connection operation
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 enhances the stability and simplicity of connector assembly and disassembly by securely locking the connectors, reducing the risk of damage and improving signal transmission reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the handle can be pulled to rotate to elastically return to original locations, to make the handle clasp on the outer metal shell
Data Source
AI summary
A lock structure of a connector assembly includes a socket connector and a plug connector. The socket connector includes a mounting base member and conductive terminals disposed in the mounting base member, and the mounting base member is combined with an outer metal shell. A base of the plug connector includes a plug part combined in the docking chamber, and a connection part, and contact terminals. The base is combined with a shielding housing, and a handle is pivoted to shaft holes of the shielding housing. When the plug connector is not locked on the socket connector, the handle is pushed apart from each other, by the shielding housing, and not clasped on the outer metal shell. After the plug connector is combined on the socket connector, the handle can be rotated to return the handle to original locations, and make the handle clasp on the outer metal shell.