Connector Locking Rib Escaping Edge Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector locking mechanism is prone to improper deformation and breakage due to stress concentration on links, leading to reduced reliability of the lock function.
Innovation Solution
The connector design incorporates a resiliently deformable receiving portion with a locking rib that presses and curves the receiving portion, featuring escaping edges and cut portions to reduce stress on links, ensuring reliable locking by minimizing deformation and preventing breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the resilient receiving portion is deformed to engage the lock projection, then the locking function is achieved, but stress concentrates on the links causing improper deformation or breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an escaping edge with a specific geometric configuration at the critical location where the locking rib contacts the resilient receiving portion. This local geometric modification creates a stress relief path that prevents stress concentration on the links, thereby maintaining link strength while preserving the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The escaping edge is designed to contact the resilient receiving portion before the locking rib fully engages, creating a gradual deformation path. This preliminary cushioning action distributes the deformation stress over a larger area and prevents sudden stress concentration on the links, reducing the risk of breakage.
2Force
If the locking rib presses the resilient receiving portion to maximum deformation, then secure locking is achieved, but the links experience excessive stress leading to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The escaping edge creates a localized stress relief zone that redirects the pressing force from the locking rib. Instead of concentrating force on the links, the escaping edge geometry distributes the force through the resilient receiving portion's body, maintaining locking force while reducing stress on the links.
Solution Approach 2:
The escaping edge acts as an intermediary element between the locking rib and the resilient receiving portion. It mediates the force transmission by providing an alternative contact path that reduces stress concentration, allowing the locking force to be applied without directly transmitting excessive stress to the links.
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 enhanced locking mechanism provides excellent reliability by reducing deformation and stress on links, preventing improper deformation and breakage, thus ensuring a secure engagement between the housing and the connector forming member.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resiliently deformable receiving portion traverses an opening area of the lock hole and is linked to the inner surface of the lock hole at links on opposite longitudinal ends
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (A) includes a resiliently deformable resilient receiving portion (35) arranged to traverse an opening area of a lock hole (32) formed in a holder (30) and linked to an inner surface of the lock hole (32) at links (36) on opposite ends in a longitudinal direction. A locking rib (15) projects from a lock projection (12) formed in a housing (10) and extends along the longitudinal direction of the resilient receiving portion (35). The locking rib (15) causes the resilient receiving portion (35) to curve and deform in the process of assembling the housing (10) and the holder (30). Escaping edges (18) are formed on opposite longitudinal ends of a projecting edge (16) of the locking rib (15). The escaping edges (18) are oblique to the longitudinal direction of the resilient receiving portion (35) that is not resiliently deformed, and substantially face the links (36).