Connector Locking Member Cantilever Beam Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems face challenges in securely attaching and preventing accidental removal of connector members from substrates, particularly under vibrational stress, as they rely on mechanical fasteners or threaded engagements which may not be sufficient for reliable retention.
Innovation Solution
A connector member with a coupler portion and cantilevered beam elements, combined with a locking member that extends between the cantilevered beam elements and the outer surface, limits deflection and prevents removal by engaging with the housing, ensuring secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical fasteners or threaded engagements are used to attach connectors, then the connector can be securely mounted to the housing, but the attachment may not be sufficient to prevent accidental removal under vibrational stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking member can be inserted to engage with the cantilevered beam elements. This dynamic element transforms the static cantilevered beams into an active retention system that positively locks the connector to the housing, preventing accidental removal under vibration while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to be inserted through the housing and engage with the cantilevered beam elements that are already positioned on the connector. This nested arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be integrated within the existing connector structure rather than requiring a separate external fastening system, thereby improving retention without significantly increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If cantilevered beam snap features are used for connector mounting, then installation is facilitated with a streamlined snap member, but the connector may become loose or detached under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The cantilevered beam elements are pre-positioned on the connector body during manufacturing, ready to engage with the housing opening. This preliminary arrangement maintains the ease of installation by allowing the connector to be simply inserted through the housing opening, while the subsequent addition of the locking member provides the enhanced retention reliability needed to prevent detachment under stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of flexible cantilevered beam elements with the rigid locking member creates a dynamic retention system. The cantilevered beams provide initial engagement and flexibility during installation, while the locking member adds a positive mechanical lock that prevents loosening or detachment under vibrational or stress conditions, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and high reliability.
3Reliability
If a locking member is added to prevent connector removal, then retention reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to be inserted through the housing and engage with the cantilevered beam elements in a nested configuration. This integration allows the locking function to be added without requiring a completely separate external fastening system, thereby improving anti-removal capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member works in conjunction with the self-deflecting cantilevered beam elements to create a self-locking mechanism. Once the locking member is inserted and engages with the beams, the system automatically provides retention without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms, thus improving reliability with minimal added complexity.
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 solution effectively secures the connector member to the substrate, preventing removal due to vibrations and ensuring a stable interface, applicable across various systems including automotive transmissions, while allowing for easy installation and removal.
Implementation Method 1
passing the coupler portion through the opening partially compressing one or more cantilevered beam elements that extend along an outer surface of the coupler portion
Implementation Method 2
The locking member is configured and disposed to limit deflection of the one or more cantilevered beam elements to prevent removal of the connector member from a substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A connector member includes a coupler portion having a wall including a first end that extends to a second end that defines a connection zone. The wall includes an outer surface. A mounting portion is provided at the first end. The mounting portion includes one or more cantilevered beam elements that extend along the wall spaced from the outer surface. A locking member extends about the coupler portion between the one or more cantilevered beam elements and the outer surface of the wall. The locking member is configured and disposed to limit deflection of the one or more cantilevered beam elements to prevent removal of the connector member from a substrate.