Connector Assembly Resilient Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies face operability issues due to resistance from resilient restoring forces when separating the female housing from the moving plate, which can be exacerbated by reducing the locking margin between the wall and the female housing.
Innovation Solution
The connector assembly incorporates resilient locking pieces on the moving plate that are designed to deform and incline, reducing the locking margins with the female housing locks, allowing for easier separation by leveraging the principle of curvature to decrease resilient deformation and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking margin between the resilient wall and female housing is reduced to decrease resistance during separation, then operability is improved, but the wall may be removed from the female housing while the female housing is pulling the moving plate back to the initial position
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the locking function into two separate mechanisms: retaining projections on the receptacle wall and resilient locking pieces on the moving plate. The retaining projections provide initial positioning and restriction, while the resilient locking pieces provide secure locking during connection and controlled release during separation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient locking pieces are designed to be elastically deformable, allowing them to dynamically adapt between locked and unlocked states. During connection, they deform to engage with the female housing locks; during separation, they naturally return to their original shape to release the locks. This dynamic behavior enables smooth separation without compromising locking reliability during the connected state.
2Ease of operation
If the resilient locking pieces are positioned closer to the ends of the moving plate to increase curving effect, then the locking margin decreases and separation becomes easier, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient locking pieces are strategically positioned closer to the ends of the moving plate where they can effectively leverage the curving motion during separation. This local positioning optimizes the mechanical advantage for release while the overall plate structure maintains sufficient strength through its general geometry and material properties. The local quality enhancement at critical points does not compromise overall structural integrity.
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
This design enhances operability by reducing resistance during separation, ensuring smooth disengagement of the female housing from the moving plate while maintaining effective locking during connection.
Implementation Method 1
Resilient locking pieces project on the moving plate in directions substantially parallel to a moving direction of the moving plate and are resiliently deformable. The moving plate is configured to curve resiliently and to incline a projecting direction of the resilient locking pieces.
Data Source
AI summary
A moving plate (30) includes two resilient locking pieces (34) and can be resiliently curved and deformed to incline a projecting direction of the resilient locking pieces (34). With the moving plate (30) held at an initial position by retaining projections (21), locks (55) of a female housing (50) are displaced from positions where the locks (55) are locked to the resilient locking pieces (34) to positions where the locks (55) are not locked to the resilient locking pieces (34) by resiliently deforming the resilient locking pieces (34). The retaining projections (21) are spaced apart in the same direction as a separating direction of the resilient locking pieces (34) and are at positions different from the resilient locking pieces (34) in the separating direction of the resilient locking pieces (34).