Connector Housing Lock Structure to Prevent Side Wall Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing connectors, the side wall portions of housing members are temporarily resiliently deformed when fitting projections and recesses are aligned, leading to increased stress and potential plastic deformation, which can result in a loss of locking function.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a resilient lock piece cantilevered in the overlapping direction with a stopper positioned further from the base end than the lock projection, reducing stress by minimizing resilient deformation and using non-resilient lock portions to secure the housing members in a united state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock projections are expanded in the sliding direction to lock the housing members, then the housing members can be securely locked in the united state, but the side wall portions are largely resiliently deformed and stresses increase, potentially causing plastic deformation and loss of locking function
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into two independent mechanisms: resilient lock pieces for initial overlapping locking and non-resilient lock portions for final sliding locking. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized independently, with the non-resilient lock portions bearing the primary locking load without causing large resilient deformation to the side wall portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted from the side wall portions and transferred to dedicated lock pieces and lock portions. The side wall portions are taken out from the stress-bearing role, and the locking function is assigned to specialized components (resilient lock pieces and non-resilient lock portions) that are better suited for this function.
2Strength
If the stopper is positioned closer to the base end portion of the resilient lock piece, then the resilient deformation is reduced, but the locking effectiveness in the sliding direction is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into two independent mechanisms: resilient lock pieces for initial overlapping locking and non-resilient lock portions for final sliding locking. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized independently, with the non-resilient lock portions bearing the primary locking load without causing large resilient deformation to the side wall portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-resilient lock portions act as intermediaries that transfer the locking function from the resilient lock pieces to the housing members. The resilient lock pieces engage with the stoppers to provide initial positioning, while the non-resilient lock portions provide the final secure locking, mediating between the resilient and non-resilient locking mechanisms.
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 design effectively reduces stress in the locking mechanism, preventing plastic deformation and ensuring reliable locking of the housing members, while maintaining the connector's united state.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient lock piece cantilevered in the overlapping direction with respect to the other housing member is formed on a side edge part of one of the housing members
Implementation Method 2
a stopper for locking the resilient lock piece when the both housing members are slid is formed on the side surface of the other housing member
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a terminal fitting and an upper housing and a lower housing slidable in a direction orthogonal to an overlapping direction while being overlapped to sandwich the terminal fitting. A resilient lock piece cantilevered in the overlapping direction with respect to the lower housing is formed on a side edge part of the upper housing. A lock projection to be locked by the resilient lock piece when the both housings are overlapped is formed on a side surface of the lower housing. A stopper for locking the resilient lock piece when the both housings are slid is formed on the side surface of the lower housing. The stopper is disposed at a position further separated from a base end portion of the resilient lock piece than the lock projection.