Electrical Connector Mounting Member Upward Sliding Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with elastic locking mechanisms are vulnerable and lack stability when secured in panel openings, as described in China Utility Patent CN206908021U.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring an insulative module with panel-supporting surfaces, a cavity, and elastic arms that lock with recesses on a mounting member, ensuring secure engagement and stability by sliding the mounting member upwards beyond the panel-supporting surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastic locking mechanism is used to secure the electrical connector in a panel opening, then the connector can be retained in position, but the elastic portion becomes vulnerable and lacks stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional locking mechanism by making the rigid mounting member body perform the locking function through its geometric shape (pair of locking recesses at opposite edges) rather than using a separate elastic component. The rigid structure with built-in recesses locks onto the elastic arms, reversing who performs the active locking action and eliminating the vulnerable elastic portion while maintaining reliable retention.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the mounting member is inserted into the cavity through the panel, then the connector can be mounted, but the mounting member may move backward without sufficient forward positioning force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mounting process where the mounting member is first inserted in a relaxed state, then activated by upward sliding motion beyond the panel-supporting surface. This dynamic action transforms the elastic arms into a locked configuration with the recesses, providing automatic forward positioning force without requiring additional fastening operations or complex tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms and locking recesses form a self-locking mechanism where the mounting member's own upward sliding motion beyond the panel surface automatically engages the locking features. The system uses its own movement to create the locking condition, eliminating the need for separate fastening steps or external actuation mechanisms.
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 provides enhanced stability and secure retention of the electrical connector within the panel opening, preventing backward movement and ensuring constant forward positioning, thus addressing the vulnerability of existing elastic locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The insulative module defines a pair of elastic arms slanting into the cavity and each slants away from the panel-supporting surface. The elastic arms are locked with the locking recesses in condition that the mounting member slides upwards beyond the panel-supporting surface.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector comprises an insulative module loaded with terminals therein and a mounting member. The insulative module defines a pair of panel-supporting surface at each opposite end thereof, and a cavity going through one panel-supporting face. The mounting member comprises a board main receiving in the cavity and an operating portion projecting outwards. The insulative module defines a pair of elastic arms slanting into the cavity and each slates away from the panel-supporting face. The board main defines a pair of locking recesses at opposite edges thereof. The elastic arms are locked with the locking recesses in condition that the mounting member slides upwards beyond the panel-supporting faces.