Connector Release Mechanism Using Inclined Surface and Jig Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors require complex operations to release the completely-engaged state of the front holder and shift to the provisionally-engaged position, involving the insertion of a jig into an orthogonal opening to lift the complete engagement elastic arm and move it orthogonally.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a second housing with an engagement projection and an arm portion, where a release operation portion on the outer surface allows for simple engagement release by inserting a jig into a gap adjacent to the engagement projection, with an inclined surface guiding the jig to lift the arm portion and facilitate a single-action release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the conventional connector uses an orthogonal insertion opening for releasing the completely-engaged state, then the engagement can be released, but the operation becomes complex requiring multiple steps (inserting jig orthogonally, lifting the arm, then moving orthogonally)
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting the jig from the lateral side (orthogonal direction) as in the conventional design, the present invention inverts the insertion direction to approach from the front side along the fitting direction. This inversion simplifies the operation to a single linear motion rather than requiring orthogonal insertion followed by lifting and lateral movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The release operation portion is segmented into distinct functional zones: a gap for jig insertion, an inclined surface for lifting the arm portion, and a rear end portion for engagement release. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function sequentially in a single continuous motion, simplifying the overall operation.
2Productivity
If the connector requires lifting the complete engagement elastic arm to release engagement, then the engagement can be released, but the operation time and steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The present invention merges the lifting action and the release action into a single continuous operation. By forming the inclined surface that converts the forward insertion motion of the jig directly into the lifting motion of the arm portion, there is no need for separate lifting and releasing steps, thereby reducing operation time and improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined surface is pre-formed on the release operation portion to automatically lift the arm portion as the jig is inserted. This preliminary preparation of the lifting path ensures that the lifting action occurs automatically during the insertion process itself, eliminating the need for separate lifting operations and reducing overall time.
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 the simple and efficient release of the arm portion engaged with the engagement projection, improving operational efficiency by allowing the connector to shift from a completely-fitted to a provisionally-fitted state with a straightforward operation.
Implementation Method 1
an inclined surface is formed at a rear end in the fitting direction of the release operation portion, the inclined surface being continuous with the outer surface of the second housing
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a female housing and a male housing. An arm portion of the female housing engages with an engagement projection of the male housing. In a state where the engagement projection is fitted to an opening of the arm portion, a gap for insertion of a jig exists in the opening at a lateral side of the engagement projection. A groove-shaped release operation portion is formed on the male housing at a lateral side of the engagement projection. An inclined surface is formed at a rear end of the release operation portion, and a wall portion is formed on a rear side of the inclined surface. The arm portion engaged with the engagement projection can be released with a simple operation including inserting the jig into the release operation portion from the gap in the opening and pushing the jig in the same direction as the insertion direction.