Connector With Rotating And Sliding Operating Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors are prone to interference with external matter at the retracted position, which can lead to unintended movement or damage during the connection process due to a large lateral projection, and they often require additional covers that increase the housing size.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with an operating member that includes a rotating mechanism to increase lateral projection at the initial position and a sliding mechanism to reduce it at the connection position, using a support shaft and long groove for slidable contact, and omitting conventional covers to minimize size and interference risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the operating member is kept retracted to minimize lateral projection, then interference with external matter is reduced, but the connecting operation cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member transitions from a static retracted position to a dynamic sequence of movements: first rotating about the support shaft to increase lateral projection for cam engagement, then sliding linearly to complete the connecting operation. This dynamic behavior allows the member to adapt its projection state according to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement of the operating member is divided into two distinct phases: a rotational phase where the member rotates about the support shaft to engage cam grooves, and a sliding phase where the member moves linearly along the insertion path. This segmentation allows each phase to optimize for its specific function while minimizing interference.
2Ease of operation
If the operating member is extended to enable connecting operation, then connection can be achieved, but interference with external matter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member dynamically adjusts its projection state by first rotating to the necessary extent for cam engagement, then sliding to complete the connection. This controlled dynamic extension minimizes the time and extent of lateral projection, reducing interference risk while enabling the connecting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating member rapidly transitions through the extended position during the sliding phase, completing the connecting operation quickly rather than lingering in the extended state. This rushing through of the vulnerable position minimizes exposure to potential external interference.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If covers are added to protect the operating member, then interference is reduced, but housing size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the covers from the housing structure, allowing the operating member to be exposed on the outer surface. This removal of unnecessary protective elements reduces housing size while the controlled movement mechanism provides sufficient protection against interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating member's own controlled movement sequence serves as its protection mechanism. By rotating and sliding in a controlled manner, the member naturally minimizes its exposure to external matter without requiring additional protective covers, making the system self-protecting.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating member (11) is displaceable to an assembled position, an initial position and a connection position with respect to a housing (10). The operating member (11) is rotated from the assembled position to the initial position with support shafts (18) inserted into end portions (41) of long grooves (39) serving as a center of rotation and includes a rotating mechanism configured to increase a laterally projecting amount of the housing (10) as the operating member moves from the assembled position toward the initial position and a sliding mechanism configured to move the operating member in a direction to reduce the laterally projecting amount from the initial position to the connection position while the support shafts (18) are displaced relative to the long grooves (39) and proceed with a connecting operation of the both housings (10, 12) by cam engagement with a mating housing (12) during a movement.