Connector Locking Arm Guard Against Semi-Fitted Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Due to the reduction in size of connectors, operators may accidentally press the press-to-unlock portion during fitting, leading to incomplete locking, lack of a locking sound, and inadequate locking sensation, potentially resulting in a semi-fitted state.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that includes a housing with a locking arm and a wall portion protruding from the surface, positioned to face the press-to-unlock portion from the rear side, allowing the operator to press the wall portion instead, thus avoiding accidental activation of the press-to-unlock portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connector size is reduced, then the compactness is improved, but the risk of accidental pressing of the press-to-unlock portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
A wall portion is introduced as an intermediary structure between the operator's finger and the press-to-unlock portion. The wall portion protrudes from the housing surface and physically blocks finger access to the press-to-unlock portion during fitting operations, thereby preventing accidental pressing while maintaining the compact connector design.
2Ease of operation
If the press-to-unlock portion is accessible during fitting, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of incomplete locking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall portion serves as a mediator that allows intentional unlocking (when the operator deliberately presses beyond the wall portion) while blocking accidental pressing during fitting. This maintains ease of intentional operation while ensuring locking completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall portion provides preliminary protection against accidental pressing before the fitting operation completes. By blocking access in advance, it prevents the harmful action of premature unlocking during the fitting process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the locking arm is elastically deformable, then the locking mechanism flexibility is improved, but the risk of failure to return to locked position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates audible feedback (locking sound) and tactile feedback (locking sensation) that confirm when the locking arm has returned to its locked position. This feedback mechanism ensures reliability by allowing the operator to verify proper locking despite the elastic deformability of the locking arm.
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 prevents the connector from being connected in a semi-fitted state by ensuring proper locking with an audible and tactile feedback, thus ensuring complete fitting.
Implementation Method 1
the locking arm extends in a front-rear direction above one surface of the housing, is elastically deformable in a direction in which the locking arm approaches the one surface of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A housing (20) includes a locking arm (26) to which a counterpart connector (70) is locked. The locking arm (26) extends in a front-rear direction above one surface of the housing (20), is elastically deformable in a direction in which the locking arm (26) approaches the one surface of the housing (20), and includes a press-to-unlock portion (31) capable of being pressed toward the one surface of the housing (20). The housing (20) includes a wall portion (38) that protrudes from the one surface and faces the press-to-unlock portion (31) from a rear side.