Connector Slide Member Reduces Insertion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors with lock mechanisms experience high insertion resistance due to interference between the lock piece and mating connector, making handling difficult, especially for connectors transferring high electrical current.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes slide members on both side surfaces that are guided by guide walls, allowing for independent sliding to lock and unlock the lock section, reducing interference with the mating connector and thus minimizing insertion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock piece is used to lock to a mating connector, then the connector can be securely locked to prevent disengagement, but the lock piece interferes with the mating connector during engagement, increasing insertion resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple independent components: a housing, a lock section, and a slide member. The lock section and slide member are positioned separately, allowing the lock mechanism to engage independently without interfering with the mating connector insertion process. This segmentation enables the lock piece to perform its locking function while being spatially separated from the engagement path.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing is designed with guide walls and lock depression sections that guide the slide member into its locked position automatically during insertion. The lock mechanism is pre-configured to engage at specific positions (first lock depression section for locked state, second lock depression section for unlocked state), eliminating the need for separate locking operations and reducing insertion resistance.
2Reliability
If a lock mechanism is added to prevent disengagement, then connection security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is merged with the housing structure through guide walls and integrated lock depression sections. The slide member combines multiple functions: it guides the locking action, engages with the lock section, and maintains the locked state. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a guide for the lock section, provides the locking action through engagement with the lock depression sections, and maintains the locked position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall mechanism while ensuring reliable connection security.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector (100) comprises a housing (110) that includes a lock section (111) to lock to a mating connector (200) so as to prevent disengagement of the mating connector (200), a contact (130) for making contact with a contact (230) of the mating connector (200), and a slide member (120) that is slidable with respect to the housing (110). The slide member (120) is arranged to be slid in a first direction (P) to be locked to the housing (110) at a first position where the slide member (120) is slid in the first direction, and is arranged to be slid in a second direction (R) to be locked to the housing (110) at a second position where the slide member (120) is slid in the second direction. The slide member (120) is arranged to hold the lock section (111) in a state of being locked to the mating connector (200) at the first position, and is arranged to hold the lock section (111) in a state of being released from the locked state to the mating connector (200) in the second position.