Connector Locking Structure Shielded From External Release Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors suffer from unintended release of the locked state due to external factors, as the locking portions are exposed and susceptible to external forces.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a first housing with a flexible and deformable locking portion and a second housing with protrusion portions that restrict external forces on the locking portion, preventing it from being lifted and detached from the locked state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking portion is exposed to the outside for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion is nested within the housing structure, with the distal end portion positioned inside the housing body rather than exposed externally. This nesting protects the locking portion from external forces while maintaining its locking function through internal geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective structure (housing wall) is introduced as an intermediary between the external environment and the locking portion. This intermediary shields the locking portion from direct external forces while allowing the locking mechanism to function through controlled internal movements.
2Ease of operation
If the locking portion is made flexible and deformable for easy locking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength deteriorates due to vulnerability to external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion exhibits local quality differentiation: it is flexible and deformable at the distal end portion for easy locking operation, while the base portion maintains higher strength and rigidity to resist external forces. This gradient in mechanical properties allows simultaneous achievement of ease of operation and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking portion is segmented into functionally distinct regions: a flexible distal end portion for engagement and deformation during locking, and a stronger base portion for force resistance. This segmentation allows each segment to optimize its mechanical properties for its specific function.
3Ease of operation
If the locking portion is positioned for easy engagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to exposure to external factors
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion is nested within the housing structure, with the distal end portion positioned inside the housing body rather than exposed externally. This nesting protects the locking portion from external forces while maintaining its locking function through internal geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from external exposure to internal positioning, changing the spatial dimension of the locking portion's location. By moving the distal end portion into the internal space of the housing, it gains protection from external factors while maintaining engagement capability through internal geometric features.
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
Effectively prevents the locking portion from being lifted by external forces, maintaining the locked state and enhancing the connector's reliability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a locking portion that is provided flexibly and deformably on one side surface of the first housing that faces the one side surface of the second housing and is locked to the locked portion to move over the locked portion by becoming deformably bent along with the first housing (1) and the second housing (2) being fitted with each other
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a connector including: a protrusion portion provided on a second housing at a position close to and facing a distal end portion of a locking portion in a locked state in which the locking portion is locked to a locked portion, so that the protrusion portion restricts an action of an external force on the distal end portion of the locking portion in the locked state.