Connector Assembly With Width-Side Snap Lock for Low Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors require a large height dimension due to the need for elastic fasteners to move in the height direction for locking and unlocking, which increases the overall size of the connector.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring an elastic cantilever with a snap protruding in the width direction that engages with a mating snap, allowing locking and unlocking by moving in the width direction, thus reducing the height dimension by eliminating the need for height-based movement of the elastic fastener.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastic fastener with a convex part is used to lock the connector and mating connector, then the locking functionality is achieved, but the height dimension of the connector increases due to the required spacing between the elastic fastener and housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement direction of the elastic fastener from the height direction (vertical) to the width direction (horizontal). The elastic fastener now moves along the width direction to engage and disengage the convex part from the slot, eliminating the need for vertical spacing and reducing the height dimension of the connector while maintaining locking functionality
2Ease of operation
If the elastic fastener moves in the height direction for locking and unlocking, then the locking mechanism operates, but the spacing requirement increases the overall connector size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the elastic fastener's movement to the width direction, allowing the locking mechanism to operate horizontally rather than vertically. This dimensional change eliminates the need for additional height spacing, thereby reducing the overall connector volume while preserving the ease of operation for the locking mechanism
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 reduces the height dimension of the connector by enabling locking and unlocking mechanisms to operate within the width direction, enhancing compactness without compromising the locking functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic cantilever on an outside of a top wall of the housing and extending along a length direction of the housing. The elastic cantilever has a pair of sides opposite to each other in a width direction of the housing. A snap protruding along the width direction is formed on one of the sides of the elastic cantilever. The snap engages a mating snap formed on a mating housing of a mating connector to lock the connector and the mating connector together
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing, a terminal arranged in the housing, and an elastic cantilever on an outside of a top wall of the housing and extending along a length direction of the housing. The elastic cantilever has a pair of sides opposite to each other in a width direction of the housing. A snap protruding along the width direction is formed on one of the sides of the elastic cantilever. The snap engages a mating snap formed on a mating housing of a mating connector to lock the connector and the mating connector together.