Connector Locking Arm Stop Structure for Over-Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors without a CPA member are prone to excessive deflection of the mating locking arm due to external forces, which can lead to irreversible deformation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating restriction protrusions on the mating locking arm that protrude towards the CPA movement surface to restrict excessive deflection, ensuring the arm's elasticity is not exceeded during mating, thereby preventing irreversible deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is used without a CPA member, then the connector can be used in a simpler configuration, but the mating locking arm is prone to excessive deflection and irreversible deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The mating locking arm is segmented into multiple portions: a fixed end portion, an intermediate portion with deflection capability, and a tip portion. This segmentation allows the arm to deflect during mating while maintaining overall structural integrity and preventing irreversible deformation when used without a CPA member.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing includes a CPA-receiving portion that is pre-configured to receive and support a CPA member. This preliminary preparation ensures that when a CPA member is attached, it provides structural support to the mating locking arm, preventing excessive deflection and maintaining reliability.
2Strength
If the mating locking arm is made more rigid to prevent deflection, then structural integrity is improved, but the ability to deflect during mating is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the mating locking arm have different mechanical properties. The fixed end portion has high rigidity for structural support, while the intermediate portion has controlled flexibility to allow deflection during mating. This local differentiation of quality enables both structural integrity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mating locking arm transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure that can deflect during mating operations. The intermediate portion is designed to elastically deform during mating and then return to its original position, providing the necessary movement for successful connection while maintaining overall strength.
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 connector effectively alleviates deflection of the mating locking arm when used without a CPA member, preventing irreversible deformation and ensuring reliable mating operations.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate portion in an extending direction of the mating locking arm being deflection-deformable toward the CPA movement surface
Implementation Method 2
a tip portion of the restriction protrusion comes into contact with the CPA movement surface to restrict the excessive deflection
Data Source
AI summary
A housing 11a of a connector body 11 of a connector 1 includes: a mating locking arm 112d that is deflection-deformable toward a CPA movement surface 112a and configured such that, during mating with the mating connector, a portion of the mating connector locks to a locking portion provided on an intermediate portion while deflecting the intermediate portion; and a restriction protrusion 112f protruding, from the intermediate portion of the mating locking arm 112d to the CPA movement surface 112a, by an amount of protrusion that does not hinder deflection deformation of the mating locking arm 112d during the mating, and configured such that, when excessive deflection exceeding the deflection deformation during the mating is likely to occur, a tip portion 112f-1 comes into contact with the CPA movement surface 112a to restrict the excessive deflection.