Connector Locking Mechanism to Prevent Mating-Direction Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
The connector device experiences a deterioration in connection characteristics due to movement between the connector and mating connector when an external force is applied in the mating direction, leading to instability in the mated state.
Innovation Solution
The locking portion of the connector applies a rearward force to the mating locking portion, ensuring the abutment portion is maintained within the receiving portion, preventing rearward movement and stabilizing the connection through a retaining portion that moves between first and second positions, applying inward force to the supporting portion to maintain the locking portion's pressure on the mating locking portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector and mating connector are mated with spaces between their respective portions, then the mating operation is simple, but the connector moves relative to the mating connector when external force is applied, deteriorating connection characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting portion is pre-configured with resilient properties to automatically apply pressing force to the locking portion against the mating locking portion upon insertion, establishing preliminary action that maintains connection stability before any external forces are applied during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting portion is designed as a resilient element that dynamically adjusts its pressing force in response to external forces applied during mating operations, automatically increasing resistance to maintain the locking portion's position against the mating locking portion when subjected to insertion or extraction forces
2Reliability
If the locking portion is made movable to engage with the mating locking protrusion, then the locking function is achieved, but additional maintaining mechanisms are needed to prevent movement under external force
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting portion serves itself by using its own resilient deformation to generate the pressing force needed to maintain the locking portion's engagement with the mating locking portion, eliminating the need for separate maintaining mechanisms or additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting portion combines multiple functions into a single element: it supports the movable locking portion, provides the pressing force for engagement, and maintains the connection under external forces, merging what would traditionally require separate components into one integrated resilient element
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 the connector remains stable and immovable relative to the mating connector even under external force, maintaining consistent connection characteristics without additional maintaining mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The supporting portion 220 has resilience and supports the locking portion 250. The locking portion 250 is movable in an orthogonal direction owing to resilient deformation of the supporting portion 220.
Implementation Method 2
the locking portion of the connector applies a rearward force to the mating locking portion of the mating connector in the mated state of the connector and the mating connector
Implementation Method 3
the abutment portion of the mating connector is brought into abutment with the receiving portion of the connector so that rearward movement thereof beyond the receiving portion is regulated by the receiving portion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
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).