Electrical Connector Strap-Actuated Lock Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with lock mechanisms require significant vertical space for operation, making high-density arrangements difficult due to the need for pressing a horizontal elastic piece vertically, and are often complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector design featuring a housing with a pivotally mounted trigger and strap, allowing the lock mechanism to move from a locking to an unlocking position by pulling the strap horizontally, reducing operational space requirements and simplifying the locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a horizontal elastic piece is pressed vertically to release the lock mechanism, then the lock mechanism can be released, but a large operation space is required in the vertical direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical pressing motion to a horizontal pulling motion. The elastic piece is arranged horizontally and pulled horizontally to release the lock mechanism, transforming the operation direction from vertical to horizontal. This allows connectors to be arranged in high density in the vertical direction while maintaining ease of lock mechanism release.
2Quantity of substance
If connectors are arranged in high density, then space utilization is improved, but there is not enough operation space between adjacent connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operation direction from vertical to horizontal, allowing connectors to be densely arranged vertically while maintaining sufficient horizontal space for operating the lock mechanism. This directional inversion resolves the conflict between high-density arrangement and operational accessibility.
3Reliability
If a conventional lock mechanism is used, then the connector can be locked securely, but the lock mechanism becomes complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential locking function from a complex conventional lock mechanism, retaining only the critical components needed for secure locking. By removing unnecessary elements and simplifying the structure while maintaining the core locking capability, the mechanism becomes less complex and more cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism incorporates an elastic piece that automatically returns to its original position after being pulled, providing self-service functionality. This eliminates the need for additional springs or return mechanisms, simplifying the overall structure while ensuring reliable locking and unlocking operations.
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 high-density arrangement of electrical connectors with reduced operational space and lower manufacturing costs by allowing horizontal activation of the lock mechanism, facilitating easier assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient arm having a locking member at a first end and laterally connected to the housing at a second end
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a housing, a lock mechanism, a trigger, and a strap. The lock mechanism is mounted on the housing and has a locking member. The lock mechanism is movable between a locking position in which the locking member locks the electrical connector to a mating electrical connector and an unlocking position in which the locking member is disengaged from the mating electrical connector. The trigger is pivotally mounted on the housing and is movable between a deactivated position and an activated position. The trigger moves the lock mechanism from the locking position to the unlocking position as the trigger moves between the deactivated position and the activated position. The strap is connected to the trigger and moves the trigger from the deactivated position to the activated position upon applying an activation force to the strap.