Electrical Connector Locking Device with Curved Flexible Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with locking devices are prone to damage and failure due to impact, leading to malfunction as the locking mechanism can break and fail to lock or release properly.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a locking device with a flexible, curved connecting arm and stopping portions to absorb impact, preventing breakage and ensuring reliable locking and unlocking operations, comprising a body portion with a locking and releasing portion, and a housing with radial and axial stopping elements to prevent excessive displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is formed on the electrical connector to stabilize the electrical connection, then the reliability of the electrical connection is improved, but the locking device is apt to be damaged and fail due to impact
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting arm is designed with a flexible structure that can bend and deform to absorb impact forces. This flexibility allows the locking device to withstand external impacts without breaking, while still maintaining its locking function. The connecting arm can elastically deform under impact and return to its original position, preventing device failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved shape of the connecting arm is designed in advance to provide cushioning effect. The curved geometry allows the arm to absorb impact energy through controlled deformation before the force is transmitted to the locking portion or releasing portion, thereby protecting these critical components from damage.
2Manufacturing precision
If the locking device is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the locking device breaks under impact
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting arm is designed with a flexible structure that can bend and deform to absorb impact forces. This flexibility allows the locking device to withstand external impacts without breaking, while still maintaining its locking function. The connecting arm can elastically deform under impact and return to its original position, preventing device failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting arm transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic, flexible structure that can adapt to impact forces. The arm's flexibility allows it to move and deform in response to external forces, dissipating impact energy rather than transmitting it directly to the locking or releasing portions, thereby preventing breakage under impact conditions.
3Device complexity
If the connecting arm is made straight to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the locking device fails due to impact
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting arm is designed with a curved shape instead of a straight configuration. This curvature provides mechanical advantage by allowing the arm to absorb and distribute impact forces more effectively. The curved geometry enables the arm to flex and rebound, protecting the locking and releasing portions from impact damage while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved shape of the connecting arm is designed in advance to provide cushioning effect. The curved geometry allows the arm to absorb impact energy through controlled deformation before the force is transmitted to the locking portion or releasing portion, thereby protecting these critical components from damage.
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 design enhances the durability and functionality of the locking device by buffering impacts and preventing deformation, ensuring stable engagement and disengagement of the electrical connectors, thus preventing malfunction.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible connecting arm formed in a curved shape and connecting the body portion to an outer surface of the cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector adapted to be mated with a mating electrical connector comprises a housing including a cylinder having a receiving passage extending in an axial direction of the electrical connector, a conductive terminal disposed in the receiving passage, and a locking device. The locking device includes a body portion, a locking portion disposed at a first end of the body portion and configured to engage with a mating locking portion of the mating electrical connector to lock the electrical connector with the mating electrical connector, a releasing portion disposed at a second end of the body portion opposite the first end of the body portion and configured to release the engagement between the locking portion and the mating locking portion, and a flexible connecting arm formed in a curved shape and connecting the body portion to an outer surface of the cylinder.