Connector Locking Spring Rotational Disengagement Mechanism
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors require a large space to disengage locking members from flat conductors, making it difficult to operate when components are densely mounted around the connector.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with a fitting chamber, locking springs, and an unlocking member that can be pressed towards the circuit board to rotate the elastic arm and extract the engaging piece from the locking portion, allowing for easy disengagement without the need for significant space displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking members are designed to engage with recessed portions of flat conductors, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but large space is required around the connector for disengagement operations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of displacing the engaging portions away from the flat conductor in the insertion direction (conventional method), this invention inverts the disengagement mechanism by having the engaging portions move in the opposite direction through rotational motion. The elastic arm rotates about the fixing portion, causing the engaging piece to extract from the locking portion by moving laterally rather than linearly, thereby reducing the space required around the connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The disengagement operation transitions from one-dimensional linear displacement (conventional pressing motion) to two-dimensional rotational motion. The elastic arm rotates about the fixing portion, and the engaging piece moves from a linear extraction path to a rotational arc path, utilizing a different dimensional space for the disengagement operation. This reduces the linear space requirement around the connector while maintaining reliable engagement.
2Ease of operation
If operating portions are pressed to largely displace engaging portions, then locking members can be disengaged, but significant space is needed for the pressing operation
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional linear pressing motion is inverted into a rotational motion mechanism. Instead of pressing the engaging portions directly away from the flat conductor, the operating portions rotate the elastic arm about the fixing portion, which indirectly extracts the engaging piece from the locking portion. This inverted mechanism reduces the pressing distance and space required for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arm acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operating portions and the engaging piece. When the operating portions are pressed, they rotate the elastic arm about the fixing portion, which then moves the engaging piece to extract it from the locking portion. This intermediary rotational mechanism reduces the direct linear displacement needed, thereby reducing the space required for the pressing operation.
3Volume of stationary object
If locking springs are housed within the housing, then compact design is achieved, but space for spring displacement must be secured in the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The locking spring is nested within the housing in a space-efficient configuration. The elastic arm is housed within the housing structure, and its rotational motion about the fixing portion allows the engaging piece to move through an arc path that fits within the housing boundaries. This nesting arrangement eliminates the need for additional external displacement space while maintaining the spring's locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking spring's displacement motion transitions from linear (requiring external space) to rotational (fitting within housing boundaries). The elastic arm rotates about the fixing portion, allowing the engaging piece to move through a rotational arc that accommodates itself within the housing volume. This dimensional change enables compact housing design without sacrificing spring displacement capability.
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
Enables easy disengagement of the flat conductor even in densely mounted environments, reducing the connector's size and facilitating operation by allowing pressing towards the circuit board, thus improving usability and space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic arm that is rotationally displaced about the fixing portion away from the flat conductor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A connector (1) includes a housing (4) that has a fitting chamber (4B) with an insertion opening (4A) for a flat conductor (3) in the upper surface thereof and whose lower side is placed on a circuit board (2), a locking spring (7) that locks the flat conductor (3), and an unlocking member (8). The locking spring (7) is provided with a housing fixing portion (7b), an elastic arm (7d) that is rotationally displaced about the housing fixing portion (7b) away from the flat conductor (3), an engaging piece (7a) that engages with a locking portion (3c) of a through-shape provided in the flat conductor (3), and a sliding contact portion (7g) that comes into oblique sliding contact with the unlocking member (8) displaced by a pressing operation, rotates the elastic arm (7d), and extracts the engaging piece (7a) from the locking portion (3c).