Connector Assembly Miniaturization via Mold Space Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies face challenges in miniaturization due to the need for a special space for resilient piece restoration and instability in the operable portion of the lock arm, leading to difficulties in separation and potential damage from external interference.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a movable slider featuring a cam groove and follower pin system, where the slider includes a resiliently deformable locking section that restores in a mold removal space, allowing for miniaturization by omitting a special restoration space and incorporating a lock arm with a deformation space and cover for enhanced operability and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a special space is provided in the female housing for restoration of the resilient piece, then the resilient piece can be restored after deformation, but the female housing cannot be miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the resilient piece restoration function with the existing mold removal space in the female housing. By utilizing the already-present mold removal space for dual purposes (mold removal and resilient piece restoration), the design eliminates the need for a separate restoration space, thereby enabling miniaturization of the female housing while maintaining reliable resilient piece restoration after deformation during connector assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold removal space in the female housing is given multiple functions: it serves both as a space for removing the mold during manufacturing and as a restoration space for the resilient piece after it deforms during connector assembly. This multi-functionality approach allows the resilient piece to be restored without requiring additional space, thus enabling housing miniaturization.
2Reliability
If a lock arm is provided to lock the slider and housing together, then the slider can be securely locked, but the operable portion becomes unstable and difficult to separate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a resilient (elastic) lock arm that can dynamically change its state between locked and unlocked positions. The lock arm is designed to be deformable, allowing it to engage with the housing to secure the slider in place, and can be pressed to disengage for easy separation. This dynamic capability enables both secure locking and easy operation without instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock arm acts as an intermediary element between the slider and the housing. It provides the locking function by engaging with the housing, while its resilient nature allows it to be easily actuated for separation. The lock arm mediates between the need for secure locking and the need for easy operation, resolving the contradiction through its intermediate, deformable structure.
3Ease of operation
If the lock arm is resiliently deformable to engage with the lock, then the slider can be locked and unlocked, but external matter can interfere and break or deform the lock arm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a cover that surrounds and protects the lock arm before external interference can occur. This protective cover acts as a cushioning barrier, shielding the resilient lock arm from external matter that could cause breakage or deformation. The lock arm maintains its deformability for locking and unlocking operations while being protected from harmful external factors by the cover.
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 enables efficient miniaturization of the connector assembly while ensuring stable and easy operation, preventing external damage to the lock arm and maintaining engagement during connection, thus improving overall operability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The slider includes a resiliently deformable locking section. The locking section engages the first housing to enable the slider to be mounted in the first housing at a position so that the cam groove can receive the follower pin. The locking section is moved in sliding contact with the inner surface of the slider insertion hole while being resiliently deformed during a connecting operation of the housings, and is restored resiliently in the mold removal space when the housings are connected properly.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector has a first housing (1) and a second housing (2) with a receptacle (4) for receiving the first housing (1). A slider (3) having a cam groove (24) is mounted in the first housing (1) for movement normal to connecting directions of the housings (1, 2). A cam (8) projects in the receptacle (4), and is movable along the cam groove (24). A mold removal hole (5A) for molding the cam (8) is formed in a back wall (5) of the receptacle (4), and a mold removal space (S) is between the cam (8) and the mold removal hole (5A). The slider (3) includes a deformable portion (25) that slides in contact with a slider insertion hole (11) while being deformed during connection of the housings (1, 2), and is restored resiliently in the mold removal space (S) when the housings (1, 2) are connected.