Connector Locking Portion Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for vehicle panels face durability issues during assembly, as the cantilever-shaped locking arms can be damaged by strong pressure and electric wires can hinder the assembly process, leading to potential damage and stress concentration.
Innovation Solution
The connector features a double end-supported beam locking portion with a protrusion having a gap, which disperses force and reduces stress concentration, allowing for better durability and easier assembly by preventing electric wires from getting caught.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cantilever-shaped locking arm is used to lock the connector to the panel, then the connector can be securely locked to the panel, but the locking arm may be strongly pressed against the panel causing damage and reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion is divided into two separate locking arms instead of a single cantilever structure. Each locking arm independently engages with the panel, distributing the locking force and reducing stress concentration on any single component, thereby preventing damage while maintaining secure locking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electric wires extend from the connector, then the connector can perform its electrical function, but the wires may get caught by the cantilever-shaped locking arm and hinder assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two separate arms that can be independently positioned. This segmentation creates sufficient clearance between the locking arms and allows electric wires to pass through without being caught, facilitating easier assembly while maintaining electrical functionality.
3Reliability
If the locking portion is abutted strongly against the panel during assembly, then secure locking is achieved, but excessive stress concentration occurs around the protrusion portion causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking force is segmented and distributed across two separate locking arms rather than concentrated on a single protrusion portion. This distribution of force reduces stress concentration at any single point while achieving secure locking of the connector to the panel.
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 connector achieves improved durability and reduced risk of damage during assembly by distributing force and preventing wire entanglement, ensuring secure attachment to the panel without excessive stress concentration.
Implementation Method 1
the locking portion having a shape of a double end-supported beam... a force received by the protrusion portion from the panel is dispersed throughout the locking portion when the locking portion is abutted against the panel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A connector configured to be assembled to a plate-shaped panel in a state of being inserted into a through hole of the plate-shaped panel, the connector includes a body, and a first locking portion and a second locking portion. The body is configured to be inserted into the through hole in a predetermined insertion direction. The first locking portion and the second locking portion are integrally provided with the body and configured to be engaged with a circumferential edge portion of the through hole in a state where the circumferential edge portion is clamped in the insertion direction.