Electrical Connector Assembly Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors have a complicated configuration resulting in poor strength and high manufacturing costs, with excessive use of flexible portions and space-consuming design elements that limit flexibility in connector design.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector assembly featuring a first connector with a flexible section having a slit groove and a second connector with an engaging step-like section, allowing locking and unlocking through rotational movement without additional flexible sections, thereby simplifying the configuration and reducing size while maintaining strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional flexible sections and arc-shaped flexible arms are added to achieve locking and unlocking functions, then the locking mechanism can be implemented, but the configuration becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking section and the flexible section into a single integrated structure. The locking section protrudes from the flexible section, eliminating the need for separate flexible arms and multiple components. This merging reduces configuration complexity while maintaining the locking and unlocking functions through rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible section serves multiple functions: it provides structural flexibility, supports the locking section, and enables both locking and unlocking operations. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple flexible portions and additional components are used to create the locking mechanism, then the locking function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to excessive flexible portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary flexible portions and separate flexible arms from the design. By removing these redundant components and retaining only the essential flexible section with the integrated locking section, the patent reduces the number of parts that require manufacturing, thereby lowering production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the locking section with the flexible section into one integrated component, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation directly reduces manufacturing cost by eliminating the production of separate flexible arms and additional flexible sections.
3Ease of operation
If arc-shaped flexible arm and axially-extending groove are added for lock release, then the unlocking function is achieved, but the connector occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lock release functionality into the existing flexible section and locking section structure. The locking section can be rotated within the fitting tube to achieve unlocking, eliminating the need for separate arc-shaped flexible arms and axially-extending grooves, thereby reducing the connector's overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a conventional approach with separate components for lock release, the patent inverts the design by making the locking section itself rotatable. This rotational movement of the integrated locking section achieves lock release without requiring additional space-consuming components.
4Reliability
If complicated configuration with multiple components is used, then locking and unlocking functions are achieved, but the strength of the connector deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the locking section with the flexible section into a single integrated structure, the patent eliminates multiple connection interfaces between separate components. This integration strengthens the overall structure by removing potential weak points at junctions, thereby improving connector strength while maintaining locking 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 achieves a simple, strong, and cost-effective connector design that can be easily produced, with reduced complexity and space usage, enabling efficient locking and unlocking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible section (21) equipped with a locking section (23) is formed by a slit groove (20) which penetrates the fitting tube section (12) of the first housing (11) in the radial direction
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical connector assembled component includes a first connector and a second connector, which can fit and separate to/from each other along an axis. The first connector includes a first housing, and the second connector has a second housing. The first housing has a flexible section formed with a slit groove that penetrates in the radial direction in the fitting tube, and the flexible section has a locking section that protrudes inward in the radial direction from the cylindrical fitting surface. The second housing includes a locked section, in which there is formed an engaging step-like section that contacts with the locking section in the fitting process so as to elastically flex and displace the locking section to allow movement in the fitting direction to the locking position and locks with the locking section in the connector-removal direction.