Electrical Connector Locking Mechanism Impact Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with locking mechanisms are prone to damage from impacts during manufacturing and transport, and may unintentionally unlock due to external forces, leading to increased costs and size due to the need for protective measures and stress concentration reduction.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design with a locking mechanism that includes a flexible operating portion which acts as a buffer to absorb impacts and reduce stress on support portions, allowing the connector to be smaller and cheaper to produce, while preventing unintentional unlocking through its impact-absorbing functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operating portion is made rigid and elongated to provide operational functionality, then the locking mechanism can effectively prevent disconnection, but the supporting point portion becomes vulnerable to breakage from impacts during manufacturing and transport
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer member is provided between the operating portion and the lock main body to absorb impacts before they reach the supporting point portion. The buffer member compresses under impact force, preventing direct transmission of shock to the fragile supporting point portion while allowing the locking mechanism to maintain its reliability during normal operation.
2Strength
If buffer material is used to protect the housing from impacts, then the supporting point portion is protected from breakage, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional packing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer function is merged into the existing locking mechanism structure by providing a buffer member within the locking mechanism itself, rather than requiring separate external buffer material. This integration eliminates the need for additional packing materials and reduces manufacturing costs while still protecting the supporting point portion from impact damage.
3Strength
If the supporting point portion is designed with a curved shape and large radius of curvature to prevent stress concentration, then breakage is inhibited, but the size of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member acts as an intermediary between the operating portion and the lock main body, absorbing impact forces before they reach the supporting point portion. This allows the supporting point portion to maintain a compact, cost-effective design without requiring enlarged curved shapes for stress distribution, as the buffer member already protects it from impact-induced stress concentration.
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 effectively reduces the risk of damage to the locking mechanism, lowers manufacturing costs, and prevents unintentional unlocking by utilizing a flexible operating portion to absorb impacts and external forces, maintaining the connector's functionality and size efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A space for allowing the operating portion main body to bend is formed in a region between the operating portion main body and the lock main body across at least a part of a region in a width direction of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector with a locking mechanism includes a housing and a locking mechanism provided in the housing. The locking mechanism includes a first support portion extending from the housing, a lock main body supported by the first support portion in a swingable manner, an engagement tab capable of engaging with and disengaging from an engagement portion provided in a counterpart electrical connector according to swinging of the lock main body, and an operating portion arranged to be pressed in order to swing the lock main body. The operating portion includes a second support portion provided in the lock main body and an operating portion main body supported by the lock main body via the second support portion. A space for allowing the operating portion main body to bend is formed between the operating portion main body and the lock main body.