Connector Locking Mechanism With Lateral Single-Motion Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connector locking mechanisms are bulky due to the arrangement of locking and unlocking members in the direction of mating, increasing the total length and requiring multiple motions for unlocking.
Innovation Solution
The connector locking mechanism is redesigned with overlapping locking and unlocking members in an orthogonal direction, allowing for a single motion unlocking and reducing the overall length by leveraging a different fulcrum-point of effort-point of load arrangement, and incorporating an elastic member for automatic return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking member and unlocking member are arranged in the direction of mating (front-back direction), then the locking function is achieved, but the total length of the connector locking mechanism in the direction of mating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the arrangement of the locking member and unlocking member from the front-back direction (direction of mating) to the left-right direction (orthogonal direction). Specifically, the unlocking member is positioned to the side of the locking member rather than behind it, allowing both components to be arranged laterally. This dimensional change enables the locking mechanism to maintain its locking function while significantly reducing the total length in the direction of mating, as the components no longer extend sequentially along the mating axis but are instead positioned side-by-side.
2Reliability
If the locking portion and second locking member are engaged with a certain length in the direction of mating, then the locking reliability is improved, but the dimension in the direction of mating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the engagement between the locking portion and second locking member from a sequential front-back arrangement to a lateral arrangement. The second locking member is positioned to the side of the locking member, allowing the engagement to occur laterally rather than along the mating direction. This enables the locking reliability to be maintained through proper engagement geometry while the overall dimension in the direction of mating is reduced since the locking components do not extend far along the mating axis.
3Reliability
If the conventional unlocking procedure with multiple motions is used, then the unlocking function is achieved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the unlocking function into a single integrated motion by positioning the unlocking member to interact directly with the locking member's cantilevered structure. When the unlocking member is moved laterally to the side, it simultaneously engages with the locking portion and actuates the cantilevered locking member to release the lock. This merging of the unlocking sequence into a single lateral motion eliminates the need for multiple separate movements, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable unlocking function.
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 redesigned mechanism achieves a compact size and improved operability by allowing unlocking with a single motion, reducing the total length and enhancing ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that exerts an elastic force for moving the unlocking member to return to an initial position after the unlocking member included in the second connector moves in the first direction to transition to an unlocked state
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector locking mechanism is downsized. In a connector locking mechanism for locking a first connector 10 and a second connector 20, the first connector 10 includes a cantilevered locking member 14. A first locking shaped portion 15 is formed in the locking member 14, and a first unlocking portion 16 which is an inclined surface is formed between a fixed end 14b of the locking member 14 and the first locking shaped portion 15. The second connector 20 includes an unlocking member 23 held to be movable. The second connector 20 includes a second locking shaped portion 22a to be engaged with the first locking shaped portion 15 formed in the locking member 14. A second unlocking portion 23b which is an inclined surface to be brought into opposite contact with the first unlocking portion 16 included in the first connector 10 when the second connector 20 is mated with or withdrawn from the first connector 10 is formed in the unlocking member 23. The locking member 14 and the unlocking member 23 are located at positions overlapped in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction in a locked state.