Wire-to-board connector locking mechanism for askew insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing wire-to-board connectors, when the board connector is inserted askew, the locking mechanism can falsely indicate completion, leading to incomplete mating and potential detachment under external forces due to the asymmetrical engagement of locking protrusions.
Innovation Solution
The connector design incorporates at least three locking portions arranged in the transverse direction, ensuring complete locking engagement is visually confirmed and maintaining secure connection even under external forces, with a locking arm covering the outer surface of the second housing and engaging corresponding locking portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of locking engagement is insufficient when insertion is askew
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent locking portions (first locking portion, second locking portion, third locking portion) arranged in the transverse direction. Each locking portion can engage independently with corresponding protrusions on the board connector, ensuring that if one locking portion fails to engage due to askew insertion, other locking portions can still provide securing force.
2Reliability
If the locking arm covers the locking portions, then the appearance is cleaner and protection is improved, but visual confirmation of locking status becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm includes a transparent or translucent portion that allows visual confirmation of the locking status. Through this transparent portion, the operator can directly observe whether the locking portions are properly engaged with the protrusions on the board connector, providing visual feedback without compromising the protective covering function.
3Strength
If only two locking portions are used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the resistance to oblique external forces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Three locking portions are arranged in the transverse direction at different positions. This triangular distribution pattern provides superior resistance to oblique external forces compared to two locking portions, as the forces are distributed across multiple engagement points. The additional locking portion adds minimal manufacturing complexity while significantly improving mechanical strength and stability.
Data Source
AI summary
The second housing has a side panel extending in the mating direction and at least three second connector lock portions protruding from the outer surface of the side panel, the second connectors each being arranged in the transverse direction of the second housing and separated by an interval, and the first housing has a side panel extending in the mounting direction, a locking arm portion formed in the side panel and covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the side panel of the second housing when the first housing and the second housing are mated, and at least three first connector locking portions each formed in the locking arm portion in the transverse direction of the first housing and separated by an interval, and each engaging a second connector locking portion when the first housing and the second housing are mated.