Connector Locking Arm Resilient Deformation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors with locking securing units are subjected to excess force when the locking arm is operated to disengage from the engaging portion, leading to potential failure due to large bending forces during disengagement.
Innovation Solution
The connector design incorporates deformation switching portions on the locking arm and locking securing unit, allowing for controlled resilient deformation by interfering or separating these portions based on the unit's position, preventing excess force and ensuring smooth disengagement without subjecting the locking arm to excessive stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking securing unit is placed in the regulation position and the locking arm is operated to disengage, then the locking arm is subjected to excess force causing large bending forces, but this leads to potential failure of the locking arm
Solution Approach 1:
The locking securing unit is made movable between regulation position and allowance position, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its state. When the locking arm needs to disengage, the unit can be moved to the allowance position to permit resilient deformation, then returned to the regulation position to restore the locked state, preventing excessive force accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the locking securing unit is changed between two discrete states (regulation position and allowance position). This parameter change controls whether the locking arm is constrained or allowed to deform resiliently, thereby managing the force parameters applied to the locking arm during 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
This design ensures the locking arm is not subjected to excess force during disengagement, preventing failure and allowing for reliable operation by regulating the deformation of the locking arm, ensuring secure engagement and disengagement with reduced stress on the connector components.
Implementation Method 1
the locking arm resiliently deforms so that the front end of the locking arm moves upwardly to disengage from the engaging portion
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is to provide a connector which is not subjected to an excess force when a locking securing unit is operated to remove engagement. The connector includes a male housing, a locking arm for engaging with a locking projection of a mating connector, a locking securing unit, and deformation switching portions. The locking securing unit is movably disposed between a regulation position to regulate a resilient deformation of the locking arm and an allowance position to allow the resilient deformation thereof. The deformation switching portions have a first interfering portion disposed on the locking arm and a second interfering portion disposed on the locking securing unit. When the locking securing unit is in the allowance position, the first and second interfering portions interfere each other and the locking arm resiliently deforms to remove engagement with the locking projection. When the locking securing unit is in the regulation position, the first and second interfering portions separate each other.