Electric Connector Locking Mechanism Prevents Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric connectors can detach from contacts due to external forces, leading to loss of electrical connection between an electric wire and a connection object.
Innovation Solution
An electric connector design featuring a contact with a first and second flat plate-shaped portion, and a housing with a contact lock and housing lock surface, where the contact lock is inserted orthogonally to secure the contact to the housing, preventing detachment during external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the contact is simply inserted into the housing without a locking mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the housing may detach from the contact when external force acts on it
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: the contact lock with first and second lock surfaces, the housing lock surface, and the contact lock surface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific locking function independently, providing reliable connection without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact lock is attached to the housing body in a direction substantially orthogonal to the removal direction. This dimensional change creates lock surfaces that face opposite directions (mating direction and removal direction), providing resistance to detachment forces from both directions and enhancing connection reliability.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple lock surfaces is implemented, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lock integrates multiple locking functions into a single component that attaches to the housing body. The first lock surface engages with the housing lock surface while the second lock surface engages with the contact lock surface, combining multiple locking actions into one unified structure that reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact lock serves multiple functions: it secures the contact to the housing, prevents detachment in the removal direction, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If the contact lock is attached in the removal direction, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to resist detachment force is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lock is attached in a direction substantially orthogonal to the removal direction rather than parallel to it. This dimensional change allows the lock surfaces to be positioned to face opposite directions, creating effective resistance to detachment forces while maintaining manufacturability through straightforward orthogonal attachment processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pin connector (5) includes a pin contact (7) and a pin housing (8). The pin contact (7) includes a battery fixing portion (40) and a contact portion (41). The pin housing (8) includes a pin housing body (9) into which the contact portion (41) is inserted in a connector removal direction, and a pin contact lock (10). When the pin contact lock (10) is inserted into the pin housing body (9) in a battery separating direction to be attached to the pin housing body (9), a projection upper surface (36A) faces a groove ceiling (27B) and a lower surface (30B) faces a contact lock surface (44).