Covered Lock Arm Connector for Audible Mating Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors fail to properly generate a connection sound and often result in a slipping operation due to finger contact with the lock arm, leading to improper resilient deformation and reduced auditory detection.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a lock arm that is resiliently deformable in an intersecting direction, featuring a covering portion and step portions on its top surface to prevent finger contact with the lock arm, ensuring proper sound generation and smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operating portion is exposed without covering, then the worker can easily press it to release connection, but the worker's finger may erroneously contact it during connection causing improper resilient deformation and reduced connection sound
Solution Approach 1:
A covering portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the worker's finger and the operating portion. This covering portion includes a through-hole that guides the finger to the correct position, preventing erroneous contact with the operating portion while maintaining the ability to press it for releasing connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering portion is positioned in advance to cover the operating portion before connection occurs. This preliminary positioning prevents the finger from accidentally pressing the operating portion during the connection process, ensuring proper resilient reaction force is maintained.
2Device complexity
If the upper surface of the protecting portion is smooth, then the structure is simple, but the worker's finger may slip during connection operation
Solution Approach 1:
The covering portion has different surface qualities in different areas: the outer surface is smooth for simplicity, while the inner surface that contacts the finger has a roughened surface to prevent slipping. This local differentiation of surface quality solves the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational smoothness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the lock arm is covered completely, then finger contact with lock arm is prevented, but the worker cannot press the operating portion to release connection
Solution Approach 1:
The covering portion is segmented with a through-hole that creates a passage. This segmentation allows the covering portion to simultaneously achieve finger contact prevention on its outer surface while providing access to the operating portion through the hole for releasing connection.
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
The design allows for effective connection sound generation and smooth operation by preventing inadvertent resilient deformation and providing an anti-slip function, enabling auditory confirmation of proper connection.
Implementation Method 1
a lock arm extending from a front end to a rear end in a connection direction to the mating housing, the lock arm being resiliently deformable in an intersecting direction intersecting the connection direction
Data Source
AI summary
A housing includes a lock arm extending from a front end to a rear end in a connection direction to a mating housing, resiliently deformable in an intersecting direction intersecting the connection direction and to be locked to the mating housing, an end surface arranged to face a rear end part of the lock arm in the intersecting direction, a pair of side portions projecting on the end surface and arranged on both sides across the rear end part of the lock arm, and a covering portion bridged between the pair of side portions and covering the rear end part of the lock arm from a side opposite to the end surface. A step portion is formed to face rearward on a top surface opposite to a surface facing the lock arm in the covering portion.