Compact Electrical Connector Locking With Pivot Arm and Slider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors have large and complex locking mechanisms, limiting their application in miniaturized, integrated, and multi-functional electronic products due to the need for sufficient distance between the connector and other elements.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a housing with a pivotably mounted locking arm, a biasing member, and a sliding member that interacts with the locking arm to facilitate easy mating and unmating, allowing for a compact and reliable electrical connection without the need for extensive space, utilizing a cam surface and hook mechanism for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional locking mechanism is used in electrical connectors, then the connector can achieve reliable locking, but the connector size increases and requires sufficient distance from other elements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is nested within the housing structure, with the intermediate portion rotatably connected to the housing and the first end extending into the groove. This nesting arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be compact while maintaining sufficient locking force, as the locking arm可以利用 the housing structure for support rather than requiring separate external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a linear extension to a rotational dimension. The intermediate portion of the locking arm rotates about a pivot point to engage and disengage the locking portion from the groove, enabling compact packaging of the locking function without requiring linear space extension.
2Reliability
If a conventional locking mechanism is used in electrical connectors, then the connector can achieve secure engagement, but the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is divided into distinct functional segments: the intermediate portion for rotation and positioning, the first end for locking engagement in the groove, and the second end for actuation. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall mechanism compared to conventional integrated locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate portion of the locking arm serves as an intermediary element that translates the actuation force applied at the second end into the locking engagement at the first end. This intermediary rotational joint simplifies the mechanism by providing a mechanical advantage and clear motion transmission path.
3Reliability
If the locking arm first end contacts the member during insertion, then the locking portion can engage the groove, but the initial contact may interfere with complete insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is pre-positioned such that the first end is ready to engage the groove before complete insertion occurs. As the electrical connector is inserted, the locking portion automatically contacts and engages the groove in a predetermined sequence, ensuring reliable locking without requiring additional manual intervention or complex timing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm utilizes dynamic rotation about the intermediate portion during the insertion process. As insertion force is applied, the locking arm naturally rotates to allow the locking portion to clear any initial interference and engage the groove, transforming the static potential interference into a dynamic engagement sequence that ensures 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 solution enables reliable and compact electrical connections, allowing for the miniaturization and integration of electronic products while maintaining the ability to securely lock and unlock the connectors, thus addressing the limitations of conventional connectors.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member engaged with the locking arm to drive the first end in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
the sliding member is configured to slide in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and contact the cam surface such that the second end moves in the first direction, the locking arm pivots with respect to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector and a method for mating and unmating the same. The electrical connector comprises a housing, a locking arm, a biasing member, and a sliding member. The locking arm comprises a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end. The first end comprises a locking portion. The intermediate portion is pivotably mounted to the housing about a pivot. The biasing member is engaged with the locking arm to drive the first end in a first direction. The sliding member is slidably connected to the housing and configured to slide in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The electrical connector may be securely locked to a mating electrical connector and has a compact structure, allowing the mating electrical connector to be mounted on a circuit board that has a compact structure.