Connector Slide Lever Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with boosting mechanisms face challenges in setting proper locking forces at both initial and connection positions without complicating the shape of the operating member, as the projection for the initial position and connection position require different shapes and sizes, leading to complexity in design.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with partial and full locking stoppers and an operating member with corresponding contact surfaces, where the partial locking contact surface is at an acute angle and the full locking contact surface is at an obtuse angle, allowing for proper force holding at both positions without complicating the shape, with the operating member being a slide lever that exhibits a boosting function by sliding between these positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate projections for initial position and connection position are formed with different shapes and sizes, then proper locking forces can be set at both positions, but the shape of the slide lever becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is designed with different local surface characteristics: the first contact surface has an acute angle to the sliding direction for high locking force at the initial position, while the second contact surface has an obtuse angle for semi-locked state at the connection position. This local differentiation of surface geometry enables different locking forces at different positions without complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A single hook structure serves multiple functions: it provides both the first contact surface for initial position locking and the second contact surface for connection position holding. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate projections, achieving both locking requirements with one component.
2Reliability
If the full locking stopper and full locking contact surface contact in a fully locked state, then the operating member cannot be moved, but it cannot be slid back to the partial locking position when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static fully locked state to a dynamic semi-locked state. The obtuse angle between the second contact surface and sliding direction creates a semi-locked state that maintains stability while allowing controlled movement back to the initial position when force is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle parameter of the contact surface is changed from acute (for high locking force) to obtuse (for semi-locked state). This parameter change enables the full locking stopper and contact surface to contact in a semi-locked state rather than a fully locked state, allowing reversibility.
3Reliability
If the partial locking contact surface is at an acute angle to the sliding direction, then high locking force is achieved, but the operating member cannot be easily separated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into two distinct mechanisms: the acute angle first contact surface for high locking force at the initial position, and the obtuse angle second contact surface for reversible holding at the connection position. This segmentation allows each surface to optimize for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The obtuse angle second contact surface provides partial locking (semi-locked state) rather than full locking, which is sufficient for holding at the connection position but allows easy reversal. This partial action approach balances locking force with ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A housing (10) is formed with a partial locking stopper (21) and a full locking stopper (24). A slide lever (25) (operating member) is formed with a single hook (33) having a partial locking contact surface (35) and a full locking contact surface (36). The partial locking contact surface (35) is at an acute angle to a sliding direction of the slide lever (25) and restricts a movement of the slide lever (25) at the partial locking position in a direction separating from the housing (10) by contacting the partial locking stopper (21). The full locking contact surface (36) is at an obtuse angle to the sliding direction of the slide lever (25) and restricts a movement of the slide lever (25) at the full locking position toward the partial locking position by contacting the full locking stopper (24) in a semi-locked state.