Connector Housing Locking Lever Structure for Stable Pre-Lock Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector designs require complex retaining structures on the locking lever and housing to maintain the locking lever in pre-lock and final-lock positions, leading to a cumbersome structure.
Innovation Solution
A connector housing assembly with a locking lever that rotates between pre-lock and final-lock positions, utilizing elastic cantilevers with flat pre-lock surfaces on the housing and locking lever to prevent forward and backward rotation, simplifying the structure by integrating these functions into a single contact point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two types of retaining structures are set on the housing and locking lever to prevent forward and backward rotation, then the locking lever can be kept in the pre lock position, but the structure of the locking lever and housing becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both retaining functions (preventing forward rotation and preventing backward rotation) into a single retaining structure formed by the retaining rib and retaining groove. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate retaining structures needed while maintaining the ability to keep the locking lever in the pre-lock position, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining structure (retaining rib and retaining groove) is designed to perform multiple functions: it prevents forward rotation of the locking lever, prevents backward rotation, and provides a single integrated solution for both retaining requirements. This multi-functionality allows the structure to maintain reliability while reducing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If a complex retaining structure is used to maintain the locking lever in pre-lock and final-lock positions, then the locking positions are secured, but the manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining structure is integrated as a single component formed by the retaining rib on the locking lever and the corresponding retaining groove on the housing. This integration reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby improving ease of manufacture and assembly while maintaining locking position security.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining structure is segmented into two functional parts: the retaining rib on the locking lever and the retaining groove on the housing. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently with simpler processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the security of locking positions through their cooperative engagement.
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 simplified design effectively maintains the locking lever in the pre-lock position while allowing smooth transition to the final-lock position, reducing complexity and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Elastic cantilevers each having a flat pre lock surface are each formed on one lower end
Data Source
AI summary
A connector housing assembly includes a housing and a locking lever. The housing has two opposite sides in a transverse direction. The locking lever is rotatably mounted on the housing and rotates around an axis parallel to the transverse direction between a pre lock position and a final lock position. The locking lever has a pair of force arms and a connecting arm connected between an upper end of each force arm. Each force arm has a lower end rotatably connected to one side of the housing. Support surfaces perpendicular to a height direction of the housing are formed on both sides of the housing. Elastic cantilevers each having a flat pre lock surface are each formed on one lower end. When the locking lever is in the pre lock position each support surface contacts one flat pre lock surface keeping the locking lever in the pre lock position.