Connector Movable Housing Locking Part Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors face issues with permanent deformation and damage of locking parts due to temporary locking mechanisms, which can lead to unstable locking and exposure to peripheral interference.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a pair of housings with a deflectable locking part that is restored and protected by a protection part after fitting, ensuring the locking part is not deflected when fitting is complete, preventing deformation and damage, and allowing for stable temporary locking of the movable housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking part is greatly exposed from the movable housing in a restored state, then the locking part can be easily operated, but damage may occur in the locking part
Solution Approach 1:
A protective cover made of flexible material is provided to cover the locking part when it is in the restored state. The protective cover can elastically deform to allow the locking part to move between locked and unlocked positions, while protecting the locking part from damage when it is exposed.
2Ease of operation
If the locking part is deflected to release temporary locking, then the movable housing can be fitted, but permanent deformation may occur in the locking part
Solution Approach 1:
The locking part is designed with preliminary elastic deformation capability, where the deflectable portion is pre-configured to bend within elastic limits during the fitting process. The protective cover is also positioned in advance to guide the locking part's movement and prevent excessive deflection that could cause permanent deformation.
3Reliability
If the locking part is exposed to perform temporary locking, then the locking function is effective, but the locking part is vulnerable to peripheral interference
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible protective cover is provided that can elastically deform to accommodate the locking part's movement during locking and unlocking operations. The cover protects the locking part from peripheral interference while maintaining its functionality.
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 solution effectively prevents permanent deformation and damage of the locking part while ensuring stable temporary locking of the movable housing, enhancing fitting workability by dispersing the fitting force across different timings for multiple movable housings.
Implementation Method 1
a deflectable locking part locked to the frame is provided in the movable housing
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a pair of connector housings, a fitting part provided in one connector housing of the pair of connector housings, and a fitted part provided in another connector housing and to which the fitting part is fitted. The fitted part has a frame and a movable housing. The movable housing is arranged within the frame, and is movable in a fitting direction. Timing to complete fitting between the movable housing and the fitting part is different from timing to complete fitting between the frame and the fitting part. The frame and the movable housing have a locking part which temporarily locks the movable housing within the frame. The locking part is restored by releasing the temporary locking in a state in which the fitting between the fitting part and the movable housing is completed. A periphery of the restored locking part is covered with a protection part.