Connector Locking Structure to Prevent Mating-Direction Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector device has a possibility of deterioration in connection characteristics due to movement between the connector and the mating connector when an external force is applied in the mating direction, as there are gaps between the hood-portion-accommodation portions and the hood portions, and between the front retainers of the connector and the mating connector in the mated state.
Innovation Solution
The connector device incorporates a locking member with a supporting portion that applies a rearward force to the mating locking portion through resilient deformation, ensuring the abutment portion is maintained within the receiving portion, preventing rearward movement, and utilizes a retaining member that moves between positions to maintain the locking portion's pressure on the mating locking portion, enhancing stability without additional separate maintainance mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector and mating connector are mated with gaps between hood-portion-accommodation portions and hood portions, then the mating operation is simple and easy to perform, but the connector may move in the mating direction when external force is applied, deteriorating connection characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion is designed to ride on the mating locking protrusion during insertion, and the supporting portion with resilience applies preliminary pressing force to engage the locking portion with the mating locking portion before final mating is complete. This preliminary engagement prevents subsequent movement in the mating direction when external forces are applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting portion is designed with resilience to absorb shocks and external forces that may be applied during or after mating. This cushioning effect maintains the locking engagement stable even when external forces are applied to the mated connector assembly.
2Reliability
If the locking portion is made movable in orthogonal direction through resilient supporting portion, then the locking engagement is maintained, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting portion and locking portion are merged into a single integrated component. The supporting portion provides both the resilient pressing force needed for engagement and the structural support for the locking portion, eliminating the need for separate maintaining mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting portion serves multiple functions: it supports the locking portion, provides resilient pressing force for engagement, absorbs external forces, and maintains the locking engagement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while ensuring reliable locking.
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
This configuration ensures that the connector remains stable and non-movable with respect to the mating connector even under external forces, providing improved connection characteristics by maintaining the locking engagement and preventing misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
the supporting portion has resilience and supports the locking portion; the locking portion is movable in an orthogonal direction (a Z-direction) orthogonal to the front-rear direction owing to resilient deformation of the supporting portion 920
Data Source
AI summary
This connector (100) is provided with a locking member (200), a receiving part (192), an additional elastic part (420) and a pressing member (440). The locking member (200) comprises a supporting part (220) and a locking part (250). A mating-side connector (600) is provided with a mating-side locking part (660) and an abutting part (632). In the fitted state, the locking part (250) applies backwards force on the mating-side locking part (660) with the elasticity of the supporting part (220). The abutting part (632) is positioned in front of the receiving part (192), is pressed against the receiving part (192), and is restricted from moving backwards by the receiving part (192). When the pressing member (440) is in a first position, the additional elastic part (420) is interposed between the supporting part (220) and the pressing member (440), presses down the supporting part (220), and maintains pressing of the locking part (250) against the mating-side locking part (660). In this way, in the fitted state, even when an outside force in the fitting direction is applied to the connector (100) or the mating-side connector (600), the connector (100) does not move in the fitting direction relative to the mating-side connector (600).