Connector Locking Mechanism Mud Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with exposed locking parts are prone to mud adhesion, which can harden and hinder the unlocking operation when mud is splashed during travel.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a wire cover with a covering portion that shields the locking parts of the lock hole and lock projection from the outer surface, along with an intrusion restricting portion to prevent external matter intrusion, ensuring the locking mechanism remains functional.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking part is exposed on the outer surface for easy access and operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but external matter such as mud can adhere to the locking part, worsening the reliability of the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
A covering portion formed as a thin film structure covers the locking part (lock hole and lock projection) to prevent external matter adhesion, while an opening in the covering portion exposes the operating portion for user access. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining both protection and operability through a selectively transparent covering structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If the opening area of the lock hole is increased to suppress sink formation during molding, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but external matter can more easily intrude into the lock hole, worsening the reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The covering portion acts as a protective film that seals the enlarged lock hole opening, preventing external matter intrusion while allowing the lock hole to maintain its optimal size for suppressing sink formation during molding. The covering portion effectively decouples the manufacturing requirements from the operational protection requirements.
3Ease of operation
If an opening is formed in the wire cover to expose the operating portion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength of the outer edge of the wire cover is reduced, worsening the structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The covering portion is strategically positioned to cover only the locking part while leaving the operating portion accessible through an opening. The covering portion itself acts as a local reinforcement that couples adjacent areas, creating a structure with non-uniform properties where strength is concentrated at critical locations (outer edges) while accessibility is provided at other locations (operating portion).
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a first housing 10 having a resiliently deformable lock arm (25), and a lock hole (28) is formed in the lock arm (25). A second housing (50) is connectable to and separable from the first housing (10). A lock projection (53) is formed on the second housing (50) and is configured to lock the housings (10, 50) in a connected state by being locked to the lock hole (28). A wire cover (33) is attached to the first housing (10) and is configured to turn wires (32) drawn out from the first housing (10). A covering portion (39) is formed on the wire cover (33) and covers a locking part of the lock hole (28) and the lock projection (53) from an outer surface side.